Wednesday, October 3, 2012

1862 October 4 Staunton, Va.

Staunton, Saturday morning,
    Oct. 4, 1862
You must excuse me, Ella, my darling, for scribbling with a bad
pencil, instead of using pen and ink.  I seize an opportunity early in
the morning to write you a few lines, amid the hurry and unsettled
spirit of a traveller, if only to keep myself in your remembrance and assure
you that you are, first, last, always, in my mind. You have probably
received ere this my letter from Richmond, and doubtless there is a
letter from you somewhere en route for me, and the hope of which is [?]
I have all confidence in your considerate, tender, devoted affection, my sweet
child; but every new evidence of it and every assurance from your own
lips or pen will be highly prized.   Bro. Reed and I went to the Cen-
tral depot Thursday evening on the arrival of the trains, and there he
was so fortunate as to find his wounded son. The hand was amputa
ted, and the poor fellow had a hard time walking from Sharpsburg
to Staunton, but his wound is doing well. Whom should I meet in
Richmond but Major Henry Peyton!  As Gen. Beauregard is now quiet
in his Southern Department, Peyton has come on to get his wife and
child, if possible, from Loudoun, and take them South.  He is well, cheerful,
enthusiastic, social, and pleasing as ever.  I was somewhat
startled by a sudden attack of Col. Drinkards on me in the presence
and with the aid of Jas. Duncan and others about my matrimonial pros-
pects; but was greatly relieved by the intimation that I was desirous
to take a Crew on board my life-boat.   I was very modest and diffi-
dent on the subject.  Whom should I see but Peyton? Why, Rev.
Wm. E. Judkins! He was in R. about three hours, specically to see
Peyton and me, though he failed to see the former.  He looks bright

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and smiling.  Need more be said in reference to  a man who carries
his heart so conspicuously in his countenance?  We entered into each
other's confidence, of course.  Ettie and he are not engaged exactly, or formally, but
virtually.  And, by the way, I judge from what he said that my views
on the church question will be carried out.  Perhaps, they will be married
just before Conference.  Will it not be interesting--the meeting and congratu-
lations of the two couples? I sent her my love for the sake of mutual friends, and
my hope that I would soon love for her own sake: also my advice that she
will no longer hesitate about enjoying herself freely,  urging the example of
a friend whom she esteems and who always  acts sweetly and well.
  Judkins with his usual warmth and kindness, told me that there would be no
difficulty in getting us a pleasant house at Conference.  So, my heart's darling,
you must be ready for that trip with me.  I trust it gives you as much happi-
ness to think of it, as it gives me. Does it, Ella dear?----I came here
last evening, and found, as I anticipated, a jam.  The Presbyterian Synod
is in session here, and there is a crowd of officers and soldiers.  I  had a little
discussion with a stranger about my room: but as I am an old man, he
said that he would yield to me cheerfully.  I may get off on the stage to-
day at 1 1/2 P.M.: but I am afraid of detention here a long time  I will
write you as soon as I get to Winchester.
love and bless you!                                       God bless you, my darling --God
love and bless you!  Be sure to write often--very, very often: freely,
and at length, also.  I will never lose the zest for your letters.  direct to Win-
chester, 11th. Va. Reg.  Love me and trust me, and ever pray for me,
                                       Yours devotedly,
                                                          J. C. Granberry,
It will be a satisfaction to you to know how much comfort these lines
of valediction are to me.  [?]-ever say "God love thee, my beloved!"

John Cowper Granberry, formerly a Methodist chaplain at the University of Virginia, served as chaplain of the 11th Virginia.  In 1882 he was elected Bishop and served on the Vanderbilt University Board of Trustees.

MSS 4942

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