Tuesday, June 19, 2012

1862 June 20 near Charlottesville

[letter of John Dinwiddie begun on the 18th of June in Staunton, Va.continues ]

Near Charlle,  Friday June 20th 1862
I started from Staunton in half and hour and
though it was 11 o'c A.M. and so hot, we travelled well
& reached Waynesboro (15 miles) before sunset, and caped
on a beautiful mound just this side of the town, where
I spent a most delightful night as I generally do now.  I always

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sleep under the "broad blue canopy," having occupied
a tent only 3 times since we left Strasburg.  Yesterday
we again passed in  1 1/2 miles of Greenwood, and I
called long enough to get a good snack and
shake & unshake hands.  We camped last night
at Meecham's River, 8 miles from Greend & 10 from Charlle.
Have had an awful march from last nights camp
to this place 11 miles  have been in rear of a
column of nearly 10,000 men, and have about
1/2 an inch of dirt in my throat--I have serious
intentions of opening a brick yard.  We have no
idea where we will go to--supposed destination is
Hanover Junction.  We only say--"Soldier's rations, --all
he can get--& Jackson for a leader".  The army is
in fine spirit and I hope it promises sure victory.
You see I had commenced to write you a long
letter and I intended to try to give you some idea of
our fun and frolick but I had time to give you
only one scene.  On a future day I will give you
the more serious and thoughtful side of this life and
in so doing, I will endeavour to give you some idea
of my model soldier & particular Sergt Saml
J. Coffman.  But now, my dear Bettie, I must
stop for a thousand questions are being thrust
at me every moment, being as usual in

[cross hatched on page 4]
command of the company on the march.
We start early tomorrow, and it is now so
dark I can hardly see.  My heart is
always with you, my dear wife, and
my thoughts & prayers are for you good
health & safety. I have had only one
letter from you dated the 4th June.
May the Lord have you in his holy
keeping. Much love to all

Yours affy
                   Jas D

James Dinwiddie, 1837-1907, 1st Lt., Carrington's Company, Virginia Light Artillery.


MSS 10102













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