1862 March 10 Warrenton, Va.

Monday March 10, 1862.
Dear Father ¼ of a mile from Warrenton
I did not write to you at any usual time in consequence
of being on a march & could find no opportunity. This is
our fourth days march on our retreat. I suppose
the whole Potomac army is falling back. A part of
General Kirby Smiths division is now passing thru
Warrenton – all for what I know. Our entire brigade
left Leesburg Friday. Had three fine days for marching, but
to day it is raining. We march by easy stages. Our retreat
from Leesbg. is not, I think, in consequence of the immediate
presence of the Enemy, but a general contraction of the
lines of defence & is therefore of course without panic
or disorder. To see the spirits of the army one would
not think we were retreating – Especially but alas we
are on a retreat wh: would be unnecessary if the whole
south did her duty, or even if we had no traitors
among us. The Yankees are said now to be in
Leesburg & arresting secession citizens. I can write only
a line. I am writing under some rails covered
with straw wh: I have just put up to protect me
against the rain, while so doing & while we have stopped
to have our horses ^ ‘ shod’ or rather one or two shoes put on.
I have not suffered any from the marches, of course
as they are so moderate. I received your letter
yesterday at the Plains. We came thro’ Middleburg – you

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can thus judge pretty well our direction. Our
destination I have no idea of. Some say it is
Culpepper C. H. others Gordonsville. All these are
merely conjectures. Dearest father I have time
to write no more. Give my best love to all.
Yr son,
W. H. Perry Jr.
I can ge[t] no Envelope without this bombas on it.

William Hartwell Perry, 1836-1915, Richmond Howitzers, after the war a Virgnia lawyer

[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 7786-d