Wednesday, May 2, 2012

1862 May 3 Norfolk, Va.

Norfolk  May 3d

Dear Brother (General John Hartwell Cocke)
I come to write a
a hurried note, for the mail,
which leaves in a short time, to
tell you we may be compelled
to leave our home  in a few
\days, and will seek protection
with you.  Your kind sympathy
has been a great solace to us in
our troubles.  We feel thankful
that such a friend has been
preserved to us, and only
hope to be able in some degree
to minister comfort to you.
We are surrounded by danger
and alarming rumors. The
Secretary of War and Secretary
of the Navy came to Norfolk
yesterday and held a Council
of War with our Generals

[page 2]
of course nothing certain
is known to the public
but rumors will be circulated
which create alarm.  It is
thought by some a desperate
defense will be made here,
and then it is said Norfolk
is to be given up and the
Navy yard abandoned.
What to believe I know not,
in either event my husband
is anxious that the girls
and myself should leave.
He is absent now attending
Southampton Court where
he may be detained until
Monday.  his frequent absence
from home now makes
him the more anxious to
have us sent away from
Norfolk.  For some time
we felt a security in
having the "Virginia" to

[page 3]
defend the harbor, but now
it is thought she may be
sent to assist in the protection
of Gen. Macgruders army.
If Norfolk is surrendered or
captured I fear our dear old
State will be overrun by
the Northern Vandals.
A special Providence has
so far protected us in this part
of out state, for at one time
nothing would have been
easier than for the enemy
to have taken Norfolk.
The surrender of New Orleans
has filled the whole country
with distrust all seem to
have lost confidence in
the Government.  These are
dark days, but I cannot
think we shall be given
over to our enemies.
We may be punished and

[page 4]
severely too; but we will
be delivered I firmly believe.
I heard through Mr Payne
who was Dr Brent on the
packet that you were all
well and that Sallys health
had improved which I
was glad to hear.
My nerves have been a good
deal affected by continued
excitement which must
account for my tremulous
writing.  With Love to
all at both houses.
Your truly attached
Sister
L Baker

MSS 640

































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