1862 September 29 Bunker's Hill, near Winchester

 Camp of 13th Va. Regt.
                        September 29th 1862.
Dear Lute:
                        I have received your two
letters of recent dates and was delighted
to hear from home again; I also recd.
letters from Pa recently.  Our Divis-
ion is now encamped near Bunker’s
Hill fourteen miles from Winches-
ter and everything seems to indicate
quiet and rest after the stormy
scenes through which we have passed
since we left the Rapid Ann.  The
Army is completely demoralized and
worn out but recruits are rapidly
pouring in and rest and abund-
ance of Commissary Stores will soon
revive the ranks considerable [&] restore
our Arms in this Department of the
War – to their original & boasted
prowess.  I believe the whole Army
is encamped on this route & that
our Division constitutes the rear
guard or advance of Infantry
while our Cavalry are in the vic-
inity of Martinsburg.  Jessie Por-
ter and his squad reached camp night
before last and [Simon] Schacht [Pvt. in Co. D] came in
last night.  I read with pleasure the
Confirmation of the capture of
Munfordsville, Tenn [sic.]  with 5400 pris-
oners, artillery &c, without any
casualties on our side.  I was also
very glad [to] learn of the vigorous
measures [of] Congress to augment

[page 2]
our effective force and to bring out
promptly all the Energies of the Repub-
lic.  I recd. a note from John
yesterday stating that he has nearly
recovered from his sickness & would
report at once for duty but Sister Page
was somewhat sick & he should wait
until she was well enough to remove
to Winchester, he sent me his horse
fearing that the Yankees would come
in and take possession.  It is possible
that they may get him but you know
that by the Cartel he will be
immediately released.  I wanted
to visit him today but we are
kept quite busy in our Dept. just
now as Forage is scarce & besides
I think it doubtful whether I could
obtain permission to go out side
of the Picket Guards.  Uncle John
is with General Early now who commands
our Division and I see him quite fre-
quently – he looks well but is tired
of this duty & told me he was going
to apply to Genl. Lee for some other
duty.  It is reported by rumor that
General Pickett is to be assigned
to the command of Ewell’s divis-
ion.  There has been great talk this
week of peace and many firmly
believe that ninety day armistice
was about to be agreed [up]on between [page torn]
the national authorities.  All hands

[page 3]
are getting sick and tired of this
wicked and unhallowed war.  The
Yankees themselves, notwithstanding their
boasted preparations and abilities to
conquer us speedily, are also wearied
with war and if we could only carry
the war into their own territory they
would soon be in favor of amicable
adjustments.  I should like to get even
a short furlough at this time to visit
home, yet I can see no prospects of
this as furloughs are foreign to every-
thing military under any circum-
stances.  Home must indeed be sad
to us all now since mother is no
longer there to cheer and comfort
but has been laid neath the green
sod ‘side her innocent babes!  I can
somewhat imagine the great change
which her death has effected.  But
we are convinced that she now rejoices
in Heaven above where all is love;
and her bright and pious example must
ever be before us that we in death
may gain the same glorious habita-
tion where parting is not known !
I was sorry to hear of the death of Sallie
Willie and of the illness of many
of our good neighbors.  As the cool
weather commences I trust that
disease and sickness may be
banished from the vicinity and
health wh. always brings happiness

[page 4]
reign among you again.  I am
delighted to hear of any improvements
in Edloe’s case and hope that he may
soon be entirely restored to health.
I was glad to hear that Eddie Bowie
was doing so well and I hope that
he may soon recover.  I saw Uncle
Walker the other day and delivered a letter
from Aunt Gillie but have not seen
him since the reception [-] for
him by Jessie Porter; Will doubtless
find him tomorrow.  Our boys are
all getting on quite well and have
stood the recent hardships remark-
ably well.  I must now close as paper
and time alike warn me to con-
clued this hastily written and unin-
teresting communication.  Kiss sweet little
Willis [or Willie] Page for me and tell her to be
a good girl.  Much love to all at home
and to the good kind neighbors.
Do write to me whenever you can &
long, newsy letters, direct to Winches-
ter and the letters will reach here
in three days after mailed unless
miscarried.  I remain as ever,
                          Yr. Aff. Brother
                               Pendleton
Miss L. M. Jones}
 [Pendleton continues this letter on the 30th by cross-writing on pages 1 & 2.]

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 13407