1862 January 8

Dear John [Steptoe?]

Your letter from Camp Alleghany has just
been received, and I am truly unhappy to hear
that you are there in a condition I had hoped
at all times you would escape, That particular
place of all others, has been a subject of dread,
for I could well exercise my belief, what a soldier
would necessarily have to encounter who remained
there for winter quarters, A world of feeling is in my
heart, more than I could express in the thought
of your discomforts, for I could not imagine
a greater calamity than that of your present one
I received your letter of the 7[?]and concluded you
had of course moved your quarters to Winchester
as you expressed a belief that you would be ordered
there, but I suppose the Yankees have determined
to make demonstrations on the Alleghanies instead
of Winchester, is why you have been ordered back
a letter in this evenings Republican seems to
anticipate a nother battle there very soon, and
reports the Yankees 8,000 strong at Camp Bartow
I hope if the attack is made our forces will
be fully prepared for it, and may they Yankees come
off with greater difficulties than before:
The idea of defeating a southern army

[page 2]
but Yankee enterprise is flattered with the hope
of upsetting your inclinations some of these cold
freezing mornings, I expect, I cannot believe
they are such heroes; I do hop you will
not remain very long in such an uncomfortable
position, while it may be in accordance with authorities
to remain in storm and violence; causing life sacrifice
&c yet I suppose submission is all that is left in a
case like yours, really it is right hard to endure
I am glad you continue in good health and hope
you may in future escape all dangers and lone
hours of weariness, my heart has ever[?] throbed
sadly since the first day you determined to take
a part in the struggle, but I have a hopeful
spirit you will return again, which will be joy
forever I am determined to look for you this
winter, it is my beseeching prayer to see you
but you might be crushed as the Capt was
so I would advise you to counsel for a meek
resignation, that would be a truer[?] plan and
your task finished Dont you think I am very
vain to give you such advice, but you must
excuse me, as I generally betray my hearts
best feelings; It is extremely cold today, my
ink is almost freezing, although a glowing
fire at my side, it is a suffering time with
the poor soldiers as well as the poor

[page 3]
Bob is very seldom at home still engaged
on the R Road. Nina and I have a very
quiet time as it has been too cold to visit
for some time, I must tell you how industrious
I am, I get up at six every morning and take
a long walk before breakfast, it has improved
my health very much, more than any thing
I have ever tried, for dispepsia, How did
you spend your Christmas? I hope very
pleasantly--and you did not receive the
box sent you, it would give me such pleasure
to prepare a nice box for you, and I was
so in hopes of sending you one at Christmas
but, I supposed it would be impossible to
send it with any surety of your getting it
Our neighborhood is very dull as is the case
every where, I suppose you heard of Ned
Langhornes death; I suppose it must be
a great trial to poor Nannie she was very
devoted to him, Nannie [&] Jack Langhorne was
married just before his death it was a
very private affair in consequence of Neds sickness
There are still some of the sick soldiers n
the neighbourhood Nick Harris is ill at home
though improving in health, Hale Dillon
is still complaining with his eye and
several others too indisposed as yet to leave home

[page 4]
I thought your last letter would never come
the time really seemed endless, I concluded
you were with Jackson and as soon as
you got through burning canals, bridges &c
you would write; I hope you will let me hear
from you as often as possible even if your
letters are written on a plate--I shall
appreciate them much more if only to let
me know you are well; I have written
hurridly hoping to finish this but I find I
will have to close in order to get this in the
evenings mail I hope to hear from you and see
you very soon; Nina sends much love
to you in haste Love and good by

[name illegible]

MSS 6515