1862 April 11 on board steamer West Point

on board steamer West point
April 11 1862

Dear Father
Our regiment is aboard and bound
for the neighborhood of Yorktown--Our whole di-
vision (Gen. Hill) is sent there will be there--
Exciting times are expected--I hope we
may meet with a glorious victory--The
best of the Manassas Troops are going
down--Genl. Johnston will be there
in person--I saw Bruce & the
genl as I passed thro' Richmond
also uncle Wm. & Jno Baldwin--
I will get to my destination to-night.
We get off the Boat at King's Mills
about 80 miles from R___d
& below Jamestown & then march
some 10 miles--I have the
command of company C now
Wood being in Albemarle sick
& Giles on Special service--I hope
to be permitted to lead
them when the fight comes off, to a

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victory. our men are in fine
spirits--& will fight well--
I don't know where Longstreets
Brigade is & therefore cant
tell about Stuart--David
gets on very well & seems
much happier since he
entered service--I shall
write if I can soon &
let you know what we are
doing--What beautiful Country
I am passing thro' now! As the
Boat goes along, fine Estates
are seen on both sides, the
River--Brandon, Harrison's
Estate is splendid--
I am glad to have been
able to pass thro' this section
of Va never having done so
before--Love to all--
Yr affectionate
Lieut Jos C Cabell, Jr.49th Va.

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P.S. In falling back from Manassas
I lost all my baggage and
had a hard time for clean clothes--
When I got to Richd-put on clean
Linen for first time for two
weeks & felt glorious spoild
Not having any baggage with
me now expect it will be a
month before next change--
Truly a soldier's life is a
hard one--I have learned
to carry all I have in a
Handkerchief--I don't know
what will be our P.O. &
cant tell you where too write yet

J.C.C.Jr.

MSS 276