1862 April 18

My darling wife

I am sorry that you have received none
of my letters written since the enemy made their
appearance-- I have written as often as I could, but
have had to trust to chance for an opportunity of
sending them--It has been two weeks now since the
enemy first appeared and they have not yet made
an attempt on our works except one evening before
last then a paraty of them attempted to storm our
works in the neighborhood of Winns Mill; but we
repulsed with some loss.  They fire at us almost
every day with their rifled cannon, but as yet have
done no damage--It is extremely difficult to get at
the truth of any thing that occurs within a mile
of this place so you may judge of the reliability
of reports published in Richmond. God grant
that we may give the enemy an overwhelming
defeat and that I may be spared to see my
precious wife again.
As I have told you before I left my testament
in Wmsburg and have not been able to read it
regularly since I however read something religious
every day dividing my time between the testament
and prayer, according as to the one I can obtain.
The weather is and has been for several days most
beautiful, though at first I never saw such a
disagreeable spell in my life--The continued
anxiety and expectation of a battle are very
trying on one's spirits, besides we have to be
always on the alert  God grant us patience
under our sufferings and a happy issue out of
all our afflictions.

[page 2]
There is hardly a minute of the day-but that
I think of my darling wife--and how much
I have sacrificed in being separated from her
I understand, though I have not seen the bill, that
Congress intends to draft all for the army
between 18 and 35--if so I must look out for
some soft place the present life doesnt suit
me at all  I understand the 19th Reg is at
Lebanon church
Give my love to all at home individually
and collectively I am glad to hear that Ma
is improving--when does Jimmy's company leave?
Write to me frequently.  Your letters are very
precious and believe me as ever your devoted husband


unsigned letter from Howe Peyton Cochran

MSS 9380