1862 April 3 Ridgeway [Albemarle County, Va.]

Ridgeway, April 3rd, 1862

To Genl. John H. Cocke
My dear Sir

I got yours of 31st ult. last night. I much
regret the condition of the roads which prevented you from
coming to us. An exchange of views of these critical times with
you would be very agreeable to me. I rather expect we should have
consented heartily in one sentiment--that except the Lord help
us we are without hope--My trust in Him & not in another has
been my only fortress and strength of late. For I fear that no man is
on the stage yet who is equal to the task of holding the helm.
That our Good Father will in his own time raise up such an
one, by whose and He will deliver us from our enemies
& all them who hate us, I have no more doubt than I have of my
writing to you at this moment. "O Lord, come quickly," is
now my most earnest prayer.

The chances are in our favour if we can hold our
foes at gay until the 1st of June, I think. But while we are
doing so, we may be put to great straights in this region
of Va. A defeat on the Rappahannock may expose my
county to the ravages of the Vandalls: Then comes
up that fearful question, which staggers me as often

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as I try to grapple with it. "What shall I do with my
wife & daughters, & with my servants?" As yet no answer
has come to me. My position as a member of the Legislature
will ensure my arrest & incarceration if my county falls into
the enemy's power--So if they come I must flee: That's easy
enough: But when it comes to the thought who shall flee
with me--I am utterly at a loss. I would have been
very glad to have talked with you of all these things
& hope that ere long you will find the roads & weather
both so good as to tempt you from home again.

I am much flattered by your estimation of
my horse. I do not stand him at all this spring. Hav
ing parted with eight horses since the war began
I am getting short of teams, & my stallion is now one
of my regular work horses. I shall not let him serve
any mares but my own, such of any of my friends who as chance
to come to see me: But if you wish to send some
mares, do so at any time is convenient. I can't charge
you for the horse, neither would I if I could: But I will
charge you the usual price for board of your mares while
here. I hope that will be satisfactory to you. I shall not get
a license for a stallion at all this spring.

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If I have to flee however it will most probably be on
the back of my stallion, in which case your mares can
return home in time to escape the enemy--

It will afford me much pleasure to see you
here at any & all times. Pray come as often as you
pass thro' the county--I hope your health is good.
I am very truly your sincere friend

Franklin Minor

Franklin Minor, 1812-1867, ran a school in Albemarle County. Va.

MSS 640