1862 July 13 near Richmond, Va.

                                  Hd Quarters 1st Brig
                                       Va Vols July 13th
                                         Sabbath Evening
My dearest friend,

                On a dirty sheet of paper captured
of the yankees I am about to write a few lines
I have seen enough of battles, wounded men and
all the circumstances of the battlefield to do me
for years to come.  Have lived 5 days on a
little number of crackers and no meat,
have had men killed on either side of me
and in fact had a good time in general.
  Haven't had time to think of anybody
in the world--already it seems as if
it were years since I left Nelson and
yet I have not the slightest wish to re-
turn--Have seen many friends--many
that I shall never see again--everybody
seems to have been killed except myself.
I was in Richmond on yesterday--called
on Miss Ella Palmer for a few minutes
she said Waid was "destestable, greatest
fopp she ever saw". I saw said youth
some days ago--delivered note--he
said he was going next day to start
for Balto.  I only saw him for a few
minutes as I was in great haste.
I dined at Dr. Bolton's on yesterday.  Was
surprized to meet John Stockton late yesterday
evening on his way to the theatre.
Saw Summerfield Smith and George in town
yesterday--met Carter Singleton the other
day-Haven't seen Charles.  I am now
aching courier at Hd qs of 1st Brgade
for Genl. Winder.  Flies light on my
hand so that I cannot possibly write

[page 2]
Consequently shall expect you to ex-
cuse.  Remember me to all friends
Tell Miss Mary that I would write to her
but that she can see from the letters
that I  have nothing to say.  I have never been
able to hear one word from the letters
you and Miss Mary wrote to me--although
I have diligently inquired for them.
I hardly know where to tell you
to direct, your answer if this is
worth answering--But suppose you
had better Direct
                    to care of Genl. C.S. Winder
                    Comd 1st Brig Va Vols
                         Near Richmond
                   Genl. Jacksons Division
                      or Army of the Valley
When time is more to command
and I have more settled ideas I shall
again write.  If you would do anything
to alleviate the ennui of monotonous
cam life--now doubly tiresome when
quiet follows so closely upon the heels
of the battle's roar write to me
               Your best friend
                   P. G. Harrison
[?] being published was a gross piece of slan-
der and shall be corrected.


Peachy Gessner Harrison, 1839-1926, 2nd Regiment Virginia Cavalry

MSS 38-111