1862 December 9 camp near Fredericksburg, Va.

Camp Near Fredericksburg

Dec. 9^th 1862

My Dear Father

I received last night, a let-

ter from home – but almost as old as

the hills – it was dated the 18^th of last

month – written at Richmond & directed to

Culpeper Court House – a month ago

minus 10 days. I don’t know why

your letters are so long delayed –

You might be more particular in

your direction which would probably

expedite their coming – Say in your

direction ‘Gen. Barksdale’s Brigade’. And

Mr. Laws’ division might be added – this

latter is hardly necessary however.

I have no news to write – Not even a

rumor has disturbed our quiet since

we have been in this neighbourhood.

I only write to tell how often I think

of you all. I wish very much I could

spend a short time at home this

winter – But there is no prospect of a

furlough – we may after a while

go into winter quarters – but that

even is doubtful. It will probably

depend on the enemy’s movements.

[page 2]

I hardly think Burnside will attempt

to attack us in front of our present

position – A change of base would be

very tedious, if nothing more at this

time of the year. Jackson has been

in the neighbor hood nearly a week.

Our army was never in better if as

good fighting order – they are confi-

dent of success should Burnside

attempt to cross or to fight us on an

equal field – All express a desire to

fight now rather than delay till

spring.

What do you think of the

letter of the correspondent of the

London Times written from Rich-

mond – notwithstanding slight inaccu-

racies it will give the Europeans a

good idea of things over here.

Do you think Napoleon will

let the matter drop so quietly

after he has over taken it in

hand? What is the pay of the

office for which Lan is an

expectant? Give my very best

love to Mother, George & all – I hope

soon to get one of your letters which I know

is coming over here. Ever dear father – most

aff. yr. son W. H. Perry, Jr.

[Written in the top margin on page 1:

“Do you know where a good cook, a free negro,

could be had – we want one for our mess – A

good negro even if he were without experience

as a cook would answer – The mess is willing to give

15 or I reckon 20 dollars per month.”

William Hartwell Perry of the Richmond Howitzers

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 7786-d