1862 January 2 Centreville

.
My Dear Father,

The batteries of our regt. detailed for
picket duty on Sunday last and with which I was
attached as Adjutant, returned to camp yesterday having
met with no adventure during its absence. Col. [Samuel] Garland [Jr.]
had me detailed as his adjutant, that regular
officer Mr. Means being required at Camp. The Col.
seems quite partial to me, and generally selects
me for such duties. New Years Day passed off
very quietly, and but for the infallible Almanac
we would have never recognized it. There was
certainly very little family likeness discernible.

I still cherish the scheme now long since
proposed of raising from the present volunteers a
company of Artillery to serve for the war, and if
I can get authority to do so, I am convinced there
will be no difficulty in procuring the quota of
men necessary. Some 35 of the Regiment have
already proffered me their services. The applica-
tion for this authority has already been made &
Col. Garland approved it this morning, and
forwarded it to the Genl. by whom it will
be sent on to the War Department. It will probably
reach the secretary about the last of this week
and if you could get some influential friend

[page 2]
to see him about that time it would be
of great advantage. I shall have a prominent
rival in this undertaking or rather one who aiming
at the same end will of course to a certain extent
oppose me. This is Mitchell the 1st Lieut. of my Company,
a young fellow of good appearance & address, and good
drill officer, but with little judgment or discretion. He
has already by going through the Regt. and promising to
procure guns &c got a number sufficient to form
a Company. I have deferred my attempt to enrol[l]
the men until I am assured the battery will be
furnished, not doubting but that if the latter is given
the former will not be wanting. The prospect of securing
a furlough by reenlistment will of itself influence
the men to join. I hope you may be able to assist
me while in Richmond in procuring the armaments
desired. There is no chance of a furlough just now.
There are rumors afloat of an advance of the enemy,
but no outward indications. I am sorry that you will
be unable to visit me, but hope to see you before
many days. Give me as soon as you can advice as to the
best course to be pursued in my military schemes. I enclose you
a letter received yesterday from Holloway. No plan there
mentioned is to interfere with the one above.

I have begun the New-Year I hope with the firm
resolve to act as a true man in the stirring & trying
events with which it is pregnant! Providence has repeatedly

[Written in the top margin on page 1:]
spared my life in the midst of danger & death and should I still be
spared, I hope ere long to lay aside
the sword and be again with you all in peace. Be it as it may, while life
remains I shall try to act in a manner not unworthy of you, and leave
the rest to the ruler of our destinies. Most affectionately Your Son
John W. Daniel
Mr. Meems was James Lawrence Meems, 1836-1862, will be killed at Seven Pines [Robert K. Krick]

[Lt. Robert Miller Mitchell, Jr. – R.K.K.]
[transcriptions and notes by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

John Warwick Daniel, 1842-1910, disabled in the Battle of the Wilderness, later a University of Virginia law graduate, U. S. Senator and famous orator, known as the "Lame Lion of Lynchburg."

MSS 158