1862 Dec 14-15, 1862 near Fredericksburg

                Wagon-yard of Picketts division near Fredericksburg
                                8 A.M. Sabbath, Dec. 24, 1862,
My Darling Wife,
                              You will not accuse me of violating the sanctity
of this day in writing you a few lines to assure you of my safety and
health. I have just received my valise which I was obliged to
leave at the railroad station the day I came. I tagged along
however, under the burden of my bedding which I knew I
should need.  Ned Huston came on the same train to bring clothing
for Andrew's company, and he has been sharing my bed.  We sleep
warmly and deeply.  I have been faring well, with friends, plenty
to eat and a keen appetite.  You have learned that the cannona-
ding commenced Thursday and continued Friday.   Yesterday was
the first day of earnest fighting.  From a commanding  eminence
I witnessed a good part of it. Line after line of the enemy
advanced, broke, retreated,  many running rapidly, the fields
covered with stragglers. The foe is compelled to advance over
an open plain, our men occupying the woods and thus having
the advantage which they have well used.  I can not given
particulars concerning the killed and wounded.  I believe the
number on our side from my own observation to be comparatively
small; it is said that we inflicted great loss on the Yankees
Our regiments, though drawn up in line of battle, took no part
yesterday. In the evening a few were wounded, none badly
I think; but I hear that one of our company H. was killed, Andrew
Huston was struck with a shell in the side, and is at our
hospital; but he expects to be able to rejoin his company to-day.
I brought off a wounded man late last evening, and spent
here a comfortable night.  After breakfast I will seek out the regi-
ment who have moved since I left them.  You may be confi-
dent that I will not go into needless danger, and I think that
there will be little danger into which it will be necessary for
me at any time to go.  I get so many admonitions on this subject
from the regiment and others that I can not be unimpressed
with the duty of keeping out of harm's way-and how pervasive
is the influence of my sweet and precious wife!  I trust to your

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prayers too, my own darling--I know that you are ever praying
for me.  You are in my heart and mind and benedictions every
waking hour, dear wife, by day and night.----I know not
when I can send this letter, but will have it ready to send
by any opportunity that may offer. I will however leave a blank
to be filled at a later time.  Direct to me, 11th Va. Reg., Kemper's
Brigade, Longstreet's Corps, near Fredericksburg. But if you find
a chance to send by private hands, do so. I have seen several of
your cousins, Thurston and Estis, and heard from others, all well. What
wouldn't I give to know how my Ella is in body and mind! God have
thee in His keeping, darling.
                      Your devoted husband,
                              J. C. Granberry
P.S.  Lest I should forget it, I will mention now a careless blunder in the
hurry of Thursday evening which it may not be too late for you to rec
tify.  I gave Jack a five instead of one dollar note.

1 1/2 O.M.  Suburbs of Fredericksburg.  Our brigade is about a quarter of a mile below in a
safe position.  The way to them is too dangerous, being exposed to the Yankee sharpshooters.  From
the Marye house I had a good view of the foe in front of us.  A few of our men take a shot now
and then from the corners of the house.  IN the yard lie some dead South Carolinians.  There has
been little fighting to-day--only occasional picket-firing.  I have been reading the New Testament
walking about and thinking of the solemn scenes near me---and of my treasure in Richmond
You are impossibly dear to me, darling.  I trust that you will not suffer much anxiety concerning me
these eventful days.---Gen Cobb, Ga. was killed yesterday.  Also Gen. Greg.

Monday morning. After nightfall I visited the regiment.  None had been wounded during
the day.  Had a long and lonely walk through the mud to the wagons--Was cheered by thoughts
of God and of her who after him is the dearest object to my heart.  though of you at
sabbath-school, and at the public services of morning and night: and I was amid
scenes so different.  but God was with me too.  Think I have a way of sending it
now.  So good-bye.  God be with thee, my beloved.  All quiet so far this morning.

MSS 4942