1862 May 16 Richmond

Castle Godwin, Richmond May 16th
1862

My Dear Phil [Philip Barraud Cabell]
I write to make my apology
for omitting to send you the cheque on monday
last which I told you was in the letter; I was
in great haste and flurry and having finished
[?] folded the letter and gave it to the
servant forgetting to take the cheque out of
my desk and put in the letter--I write you
see from castle Godwin not however as a prisoner
but custodian happening to be officer of the
day to day--As you learn from the papers
the Yankee gunboats are lying near Richmond
we beat them in the fight yesterday but I
suppose nothing but the direct protection
of Providence can save us from being wither
shelled or surrendered--We have no guns yet
for our company but will I trust get them and
take the field at once--Best love to Miss Pink
I want to see you all very much--Jennie would
send love too if she knew I was writing.  She has come
to the conclusion that perhaps it is better to send
those dresses unfinished than to risk their re-
maining here to be lost in the capture of the city
I believe she will send them by next boat--
Baby is very well now--In haste ever yours
Affectionately
A.Q. Holladay

MSS 38-111