1862 May 15 Winchester, Va.

Winchester  May 15th  1862

Dear Mary

I have just this moment
received yr letter to Mama--she is not
in Winchester--but left here here just
before the United States army entered
the town, & we conjecture that because
of the absolute prohibition which we
understand exists in regard to passing
the lines of either army she is not here
now at home. We know that she earnest-
ly desires to be here with what of her
family are at home but we have heard
nothing from her directly since the
time of the occupation of our town.
I am very thankful to e able to say
that although Robert & Johnie are
both in the Confederate states army
they have not as yet to my knowledge
sustained any injury.  Johnnie was
in the skirmish at Haynesville, in
the battle of Manasses & also in
the battle of Winchester.  He is a private


[page 2]
in  company commanded by my brother
in law William Clark of the 2d reg
Va Vol belonging to the former
"Jackson's Brigade" & now under his
command as Major Gen--Robert is
on a Gun boat at Memphis as assis=
tant surgeon.  From either of these
dear boys I have only heard indirectly
since the evacuation of Winchester
by Genl Jackson--most of your friends
& relations here are in good bodily health
Those within the lines of the confederate
states army I am now almost as igno=
rant of as yourself--My dear Father's
health is delicate--Uncle Stuart's general
health is better.  all of the family who
are in town are well. Sally is in
Staunton & has been away from home
for some months.  John Baldwin
Uncle Stuart's son died in Staunton
of consumption a few weeks ago.
His wife will return to Winchester--
to live with her father, all the rest
of our Staunton friends were well when I
heard from them as also were those
in Richmond.  Mama met with your

[page 3]
Uncle William at the Exchange in
Richmond in February last he was
sell she did not mention seeing your Aunt
Mat but suppose she was well.
Mary Johnston Stuart was married
to my brother William Clark three or
four weeks ago she had fixed the
first day of May for her nuptials
but the uncertainty of the times hastened
it I believe it was a most quiet affair
They left Staunton immediately for
Lynchburg where I suppose they now
are. living  --William was seriously
wounded at the battle of Manassas
from which he has not yet recovered
I hope I have been able to relieve your
mind about our friends--We are happy
to hear that your mother & family
are well. With love from Papa
to yr mother--believe me affec. yr
Cousin Cornelia  C.