Saturday, May 19, 2012

1862 May 20 Richmond, Va.

Near Richmond  May 20th 1862

My darling precious wife

When I was at the Long Bridges in Charles City county I
heard that you were in Richmond and of course had some curiosity to know
what you were doing there and some hopes of seeing you there when we
arrived--we arrived here after several short and tedious day's
journeys and I had to stay two days within a mile and a half of
Richmond believing you to be there, without the power of enter-
ing the city.  I tried every way--applied in person to Genl Hill
wrote to you uncle Tom and at last was determined to enter
the city on another man's pass when I received your letter of
the 15th stating you would leave the next day for Ch:ville.
You may judge of my feelings at being as I thought within two miles of her
I love best without the power of seeing her--I wished the
Southern Confederacy and all its officers at the bottom of the
red sea and altogether was in a desperate state of mind.
I obtained the signatures of Capt Wyatt & the commander of
our brigade to my application for a transfer, which I hope
is sufficient and forwarded it as you directed--It took
me about five hours to make out what you wanted, you
had written so hurriedly, and when I came to the proper
names I was in despair--I intend to keep the letter & show
it to you when we meet again.

[page 2]
If my application for a transfer does'nt succeed, I am deter-
mined to get a substitute and in order to cover all
contingencies and be ready in time get Pa to look up one
who is in good health and over forty five--you will see
the regulation with regard to substitutes in the  Enquirer
and see what I mean  I am willing to pay $500
in addition to $51 dollars due me by the C.S. and $50
bounty to which I believe I am entitled--I will try and
make it up by teaching--but as for staying in this com-
pany, I cant do it and wont if I can help it--the com-
pany has been ruined by the reorganization but of this, more
when I see you.

The next letter you write give me some news with regard
to the different members of our families and dont hurry
yourself so--commence your letter about four oclock in
the evening and let nothing disturb or interrupt you
until you have told me every thing and also that
you love me with all your heart your devoted husband
Give my best love to Mother and Pa, Mittie Maggie
and the rest white and black--Tell me all that you
did in Richmond and what induced you to run away
just when I was comeing, though as it turned out
it was for the best--Write to me the very evening you
get this  With a heart full of love I am ever yours

Direct to care of
Capt Wyatt's Artillery
Early's brigade
Hills Division
Richmond, Va.

Unsigned letter of Howe Peyton Cochran
1st Virginia Artillery

MSS 9380

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