1862 April 8 Yorktown, Va.

My darling wife

We have been fighting
a little every day since Saturday morning
and this is the reason why I have not
written to you before--we are constantly
on the watch and I have had very
little sleep during the whole time--last
night was the most disagreeable night
I ever spent--we were kept at our guns
all night while it was raining hard
and cold--I have no doubt but that
we will gain a significant victory--dont
believe half the lies you see in the
papers--Capt Southall telegraphs almost
every day--I think of you and the
dear ones at home almost all the
time. I would have written before, but
the mail is so irregular and I dont
know when you will get this--we have
been very much encouraged by the
news from Corinth--I wrote to you
last friday and as I had just had
my hair cut, I sent you a lock-
I received yours of the 3d today
write often and be of good courage
I hope if I should never see you again
to meet you hereafter--God grant this
Best love to all at home--Ma & Pa
Aunt Sarah, your mother, Virginia, &c
I love my darling wife and
think of her always. Your devoted husband

[unsigned letter of Sgt. Howe Peyton Cochran, 1st Virginia Artillery]

MSS 9380-a