1862 February 24 Fort Grafton

Fort Grafton
February 24th 1862

My darling wifey

We have had the rainiest
spell of weather lately I ever saw--the moat
around our fort which is six or eight feet
deep is nearly full--It rained furiously &
incessantly saturday day and night and as
I was on guard I was somewhat exposed
and caught a slight cold which is cons-
iderably better this bright and pleasant
morning--Saturday was a gloomy and
unpleasant day for the inauguration--I
dont think many could have been paid
for their trip--
I haven't heard anything from Mr Magruder
yet but I saw young Rives this morning and he
had heard nothing from him either--The
general order appointing Mr Magruder chief
commissary was only issued last week.
I do miss you so much I wish I were
with you to day. excuse this short note
and believe me as ever your devoted
Husband
give my best love to all at home

I received your sweet letter this evening--and
from some of the men I understand that there
are exciting reports in Richmond concerning
affairs on the Peninsula--Magruder has it is
true ordered another expedition in the direction

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of Newport News---but I have no idea there
will be a fight- of course we dont know
the Genl's plans--but from all I can
hear and Lieut Brown is of the same
opinion, we are to go down in order to
cut off the retreat of the Yankees from
Newport News in case the Merrimac
can make Newport News too hot for
them- I hope you will not be uneasy
I fear nothing except the exposure
We will have nothing to do unless the
Merrimac succeeds which is very doubtful
Be quiet and dont believe all the reports
you may hear--I hear that Capt Preston
went up yesterday, I wish I were in
his place Write soon to your
darling Husband

Howe Peyton Cochran, Sgt., 1st Virginia Artillery

MSS 9380-a