1862 March 21 Orange Courtt House, Va.

Orange C. H. March 21st 1862.
My Dear Father –
Your several letters of various
dates addressed to Manassas have been returned to
and received at this place, and I thank you
kindly for writing me so frequently and
aiding me so heartily in the furtherance
of my plans. Mr. Lynch’s letter which you
enclosed me is quite satisfactory and I ap-
prehend that no further difficulty will
be encountered. In the Enquirer of the 11th
there is a letter from Mr. Benjamin which I
think must set the matter at rest, and
end all dispute if the supremacy of
the Confederate Law is acknowledged.
On the other hand I have received from the
Adt. Genl. of Va. a letter which denies the right
of the Secty. of War to vest me with the
authority I claim to hold. I enclose it & it
will explain itself.
I am utterly unable to account for the sad
Conflict evidently existing between the State &
confed. Authorities. It evidences an omi[page torn]
ity, and culpability in our law-givers whi[ch]
is truly deplorable in such a time as this, and
would be unpardonable at any time.
Both bills Cannot work. Each party Claims the
sovereignty of its own, and the now when all
should be firmly and indisputably united in the
support of our Cause, the mortifying spectacle of

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an internal difference is presented.
I shall still persist in my endeavor to
form my Company and despite the many
obstacles, Success I doubt not “will crown
my Efforts.” Capt. Latham who will soon
have command of a battalion is anx-
ious for me to accept the Captaincy of his
old Company, and is confident that I can
get it. So, if my Cavalry company should
be rejected a position of great desira-
bility will still await me. What would
you advise me to do?
The mare that I have now with
me is not suitable I think for the
Cavalry service. She is a very fine animal
and her age is as yet to tender to
undergo the severities of a Campaign.
I am advised by persons of knowledge
in such affairs to send her home, and
buy a strong-substantial horse for service.
I have the money and will willingly
pay a good price for an animal qual-
ified for the purpose. I would prefer a
stallion or a mare, and if you see a
a fine horse of either sex for sale you
will oblige me by purchasing him & I
will foot the bill.
We are not yet Established in a perma-
nent Encampment but will be in a few
days. This is generally understood to be our
destination.

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I have now all told over 90 men
Enlisted in my Company.
I shall be glad to hear from you
at your Earliest Convenience. Please let
all at Grandpa’s know that I am well.
Remember me affectionately to
Jms. Cabell & [-] , & believe me
Your Affect. Son
John W. Daniel
[Page four used as the envelope and is addressed to:
Judge Wm. Daniel Jr.
Lynchburg

John Warwick Daniel, 1842-1910, 1st Lt., Co. C, 27th Virginia, and later Co. C, 11th Virginia; later a University of Virgnia alumnus, U.S. Senator, and noted orator.

[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 158