1862 April 13 Yorktown, Va.

York Town
April 13th 1862
Gen [John Hartwell] Cocke
Dear Sir
I write you to day from
the place made memorable in history by
the surrender of Cornwallis and i hope
will be made doubly so by the capture of the
yankey army. Have had quite a trip
since I left Charlottesville. Found, upon
arriving at Gordonsville that our Brigade
had been ordered to this place, so I left
for Richmond, from thence by cars to West
Point.Then by sail boats to york-town. I joined
the Regt about 10 miles inland, but have since
been moved back to york town and am now
stationed to support the batteries here.
We have every prospect of a battle at this place
at an early day, unless the Yankey army
retires from the Peninsula.Troops are still
arriving from the Army of the Potomac.
We are still now undergoing some of the most trying
duties of the soldier. Have had no tents, slept
in the open air and a good deal of the time

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been it has been raining, we have some sickness
but not as much as one would expect from so
much exposure, the men are in fine spirits
turn out and perform their duties better than
usual. Capt. Webb is no with us was taken sick
on the road and stoped at Richmond.
When I left Charlottesville I requested Dr.
McGuffey, as soon as Virgil recovered to
give him a pass to your house, where he would
remain until I would confer with you.
His master Mr Tinker is going to Richmond
to day, so you can send him to that place
and tell him to report to the Alabama Hosp
ital. Where Mr Tinker will be. I would be
glad to hear from you, but yet will not im-
-pose upon you the task of writing.
very respectfully yours,
Joseph Borden

MSS 640