1862 March 12 Camp near Rappahanock Station

Camp in the Woods
Near Raphock Station
Wednesday [Mar] 12” 1862
My own darling Wife
I start Billy Rolston this morning with
Frank to be left at Frescatti. He is in a very bad con-
dition and needs rest & plenty of hay. Tell Walker if he
will attend to him well – curry him 3 times a day &
keep him in a warm dry stable until he gets in
good order I will give him $5. He ought to be
fed on corn meal. He has a very sore back and
ought not to be rode at all. I cant say what
day I will come to see [you] but have a hope it may
be this week. I dream about you every night
and dreamed once of seeing the baby. Of course I
am anxious as I can be to see you but must bide
my time. Our army is rapidly arriving here
without accident except loss of some baggage and
that not important. I am told that a large
amount of stores were destroyed at Manassas. the
enimy [sic] attact [sic] our pickets just as we were drawing
them in one Marylander was killed 1 wounded and
5 taken prisoner, no other loss. Lt Col Johnston
was in command at the time. I cant yet find
out how long we are to remain here. No one
seems to know but Genl Johnston himself.
I have to write on my knee & cant write much
or very well. take the will for the deed.
Most affectionately & devotedly
E. T. H. Warren



"Near Raphock Station", heading - 'Rappahannock Station, present-day Remington, Fauquier County, Virginia.'

"Billy Rolston", line 1 - 'William Rolston, private, Company H, 10th Virginia Infantry.'

"Frescatti", line 2 - 'Frascati. Virginia 'Jennie' Watson Magruder Warren's ancestral home located a few miles north of Gordonsville.'

"Marylander", lines 18 & 19 - 'Members of the 1st Maryland Infantry. This regiment was part of the brigade which included the 10th Virginia Infantry.'

"Lt Col Johnston", line 19 - 'Bradley T. Johnson, Lieutenant-Colonel, 1st Maryland Infantry.'

"Genl Johnston", line 22 - 'Joseph E. Johnston, Confederate general, commanding Army of the Potomac.'

"E. T. H. Warren", signature - 'Edward Tiffin Harrison Warren, Lieutenant-Colonel, 10th Virginia Infantry.'



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

MSS 7786-g