1862 July 25 Camp near Gordonsville, Va.

 Camp Near Gordonsville
                          July 25 18862
My Darling Wife –
                             I reached here on yester-
day and now hold the place which I had
when I left, volunteer aid to Gen Jackson.
The position is very agreeable, and the
only objection to it is that I draw no pay
and pay my own expenses. I feel quite
at home and am entirely satisfied
to spend the rest of the war in this position.
Everything here seems very quiet. The troops
are drilling and there is every indication
that the troops will rest here for
some time. Considering the severe
hardship through which they have
passed since the war began, it is
very much needed – Every ^’thing’ has a happy
quiet appearance such as I have not
seen in the army since we were in camp
this time last year after the battle of Ma-
nassas –
I am sorry to have left you with so
much work on hand, but hope you
may bear it patiently. There is more
need now than ever that as much
should be made from the farm as poss-
ible as I am drawing no pay.
And now Darling Good – bye. I will
write to you frequently and let you
know how I am getting along. I hope
you will be as contented and happy
as possible. Manage matters just
as you please and I will be satis-
fied.                         Ever Yours
                                   E F Paxton


Elisha F. "Bull" Paxton, University of Virginia Alumnus, commanded the 27th Virginia Infantry and later the 1st "Stonewall" Brigade

[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 2165