1862 June 11 near Richmond, Va.

                              Lynchburg   June 11th 1862
My Dear Father –
                       Your letter from Rich-
mond has been received, and the sad
tidings of Aunt Elvira’s death which
it contained had already reached me
through the city papers. It is indeed
melancholy to reflect upon such a
beautiful life as hers terminating in
such deep & heart-breaking affliction.
     Almost crushed as she was by her hus-
band’s unhappy fate, and with so
little to cheer her, death must have
been a grateful relief to her sorrow.
     There remains to all who mourn her
loss the recollection that her life
was one of surpassing purity, and
that it closed when it ceased to
be happy.
     I am glad that you have
an opportunity of visiting Aunt
Martha, and being with her
to sympathize in your mutual
bereavement. I hope that your
presence will do much to
cheer, & console her.
     As operations before Richmond
seem to be at a stand –still, and
there is no prospect of an immediate
general engagement, I have Con-
cluded to wait until next Mon-
day before returning. At that
time I shall certainly leave
unless something intervenes to pre-
vent me.
     Sarah is quite well, as
indeed are all the family.
     I breakfasted at Rivermont
yesterday, & found all well.
     I called to see Cousin Margaret
yesterday, & found her well. She
reported Joe, & Stuart as rapidly
improving. Joe speaks of join-

[page 2]
ing his regiment in a short while,
and Stuart is walking about –
     I am very much pleased with
the horse of Maj. Cabell and think
it would be well for me to take
him. I am satisfied that I
could sell him in the army
Easily for $3,00 or $3,50.- [Daniel must mean $300 or $350 dollars.]
     Remember me affectionate-
ly to Aunt Martha, and the Chil-
dren, and believe me
               Your Affectionate Son
                        John W. Daniel.

[transcription and note by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]


1st Lieutenant John Warwick Daniel, Co. C 27th Va. and later Co. C 11th Va., attained the rank of major before being permanently disable in the Battle of the Wilderness. Studied law at the University of Virginia after the war, entered politics and served in the Virginia House of Delegates, the U. S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.  Called the "Lame Lion of Lynchburg" he was a noted orator, especially known for his address on Robert E. Lee.


MSS 158