1862 June 21 Richmond, Va.

                       Richmond  June 21st 1862
My dear Aunt  I have just come into town
from Camp & learn that there is a chance to send a
letter over the lines.  I avail myself of it to write a line to
let you know that I am very well.  I am again in the
field, having been appointed some three weeks ago Qr.
Master of the 15th Va. Regt, of Tom Peyton is Lt. Col.  I took
charge of my new post about ten days ago, & have been
up to my eyes in business ever since.  I rank as Capt.
I wold much prefer being in  more active service, but
the exposure might bring back another attack on my
ears.  My hearing, I am happy to say, is at last nearly
as good as ever.  My regt. is encamped in the swamps
of the Chickahominy about half a mile from the Yankee
army.  Hardly a day passes that we do not have a skir=
=mish with the Yankee outposts.  they were so terribly whipped
in the battles of the 31st & 1st that they keep at a respectful distance
Genl. Stewart (old Jeb) performed a most brilliant feat last
week:  he actually went with 2000 men completely in
their rear, destroyed a $1,000,000 worth of property, captured
several hundred mules& prisoners & brought them all
safely into Richmond.  when or where the great battle is to
be fought is very uncertain--It must come soon--God in
his mercy grant us the victory.  We are all in the best possi=
=ble spirits--we are determined each man in his place to

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do his duty.  My position will keep me out of immediate
action: but if I am able to do my whole duty I shall feel
that I have done good service to my country.  Look out
for another move on the part of old Stonewall--he is
wide  awake & ready to strike another blow at an early
day.  Dont be surprised to hear of most important and
decided movements in the West.  I am not at liberty
to speak definitely. I see the boys & girls occasionally:
they are all very well. I have just been enjoying your
long letters to them, having met Het on the street.  I am
going up to get those which she has for me.  All at the
Hill are very well.  I paid them a short visit three
weeks ago.  I am against indulging the hope of seeing
you all before cold weather comes, strange as that
may appear when McClellan is so near Richmond.
But I sincerely believe that he & his army will ere
many weeks be utterly routed.  Then nothing can
keep us from moving forward to dear ol [sic] Mary-
land.  My confidence in our leaders, my perfect
trust in God's mercy & loving kindness make hope=
=ful. Oh! dear Aunt how I do long to see you--how
often  you are in my thoughts--Give a great deal of
love to dear Sally & all the others--Remember me
to all my friends--Let them know that I am in
perfect health & in first rate spirits--ready for another
fight with the Yankees, though probably I shall be seen
some day in full retreat with my wagon train.  I
must say Goodbye--Yours affectionately
                                                                 Willie

Wilson Cary Nicholas Carr, 1827-1880, later a Maryland lawyer


MSS 1415