1862 January 14 [camp near Centreville]

This next letter, dated 14 Jan. 1862, is badly tattered and stained.]
Jan. 14th 1862.
My Dear Sister,
Yesterday one wing of
the battalion returned from the tour of
picket duty on which it has been enga-
ged for several days, and on arriving in-
Camp I found awaiting me your kind &
welcome letter. I heartily thank you for
the promptitude exhibited in executing the
Commission which I troubled and en-
trusted you to perform. I will be much
pleased to receive the articles mentioned
by express as soon as you can conveniently
send them. I would also be glad if you
would enclose Quackenbo’s Nat’l. Philosophy
not omitting the tooth brush, fine tooth
Comb and other articles aforemen-
tioned. I am also much obliged
for the recent frequency of your letters which
has gratified me no little. It is however
been generally out of my power to
reply punctually on account of the
interference of other imperative duties.
In your last letter you mentioned
that Grandmama desired to take issue[?]
in greeting or supporting the Theatre
Now in process of Construction at this
place. We can assure her that I
shall not for I disapprove of the plan
almost as heartily as she. This is
no time or place for such amusements.

[page 2]
When the country is engaged in a
stern Contest for its freedom, and
is wrapt in sorrow for those who are
daily sacrificing their lives in the
cause, there are more worthy and serious
objects demanding the attention of its
soldiers that that of playing for the
purpose of whiling away hours of lazi-
ness, and idleness. I shall certainly
be no advocate or supporter of such
amusements.
It is thought at present through-
out the army that in a few days
a regular system of giving furloughs
will be inaugurated and that in
turn all will be granted a leave of
absence for a reasonable period of them
to visit home. If this be so, & I ap-
prehend it is I think that in all
probability I shall be able to obtain
one about the middle of January.
Just now there is no chance for
me as the claims of several who have
never been home since enlisting in
April last precede my own.
Last night snow fell quite heavily
and to day the ground is [-]
[This line is so faded it is illegible.]
[-] I am however provided with
a good fire and comfortable lodgings,
and can hence defy the elements.
There are at present no rumors,
or indications to the effect that a
battle is imminent on this line of
operations or indeed that one will

[page 3]
occur during the entire month. On
the contrary, it is the ^ ‘general’ impression
that until Spring opens all active
operations will be suspended. We
have so little insight into the plans
of our generals & military strategy
is so inscrutable to those inaccessible
to information, that I do not feel jus-
tified in giving an opinion. Such
however would be the inference naturally
drawn from the present aspect of
affairs.
I have heard nothing from Abram
since last writing, but I suppose that
you hear from him frequently, & that
he is well. I am very glad to
learn that Carrie has been in a
measure relieved from her violent
neuralgia pains, and is at present able
to enjoy her usual rides with Grand-
mama. Give her my love and hope
for her speedy and total recovery.
Since commencing to write the snow
has recommenced to fall and is now [in]
fact increasing its depth. It is not
extremely cold but there is every
prospect of a very deep snow.
Visions of sleigh rides and blithe
companions have very easily created
in our fanciful brains, but every
vestige of civilization, and luxury
has been so effectively wiped
out of this dreary, and wasted Country
that one gaze at the ill-seeming
prospect is sufficient to dispel the
illusion.
[page 4]
Provisions down here are very scarce and
high and although I feel as if imposing
too many burdens on any easy horse,
I am going to trouble you with yet
another Commission – i.e. the purchase,
(or procuring) and forwarding of a
barrel, or half barrel of potatoes.
Mr. Stump will doubtless fix them for
you if you refer it to his superinten-
dance as I have no doubt there are
plenty on the farm. As to the cabbage
I do not care. Tell Ma I am much obli-
ged for the strawberry preserves of which
you spoke. We have to furnish our
own table and vegetables cannot be
illusion.
[page 4]
Provisions down here are very scarce and
high and although I feel as if imposing
too many burdens on any easy horse,
I am going to trouble you with yet
another Commission – i.e. the purchase,
(or procuring) and forwarding of a
barrel, or half barrel of potatoes.
Mr. Stump will doubtless fix them for
you if you refer it to his superinten-
dance as I have no doubt there are
plenty on the farm. As to the cabbage
I do not care. Tell Ma I am much obli-
ged for the strawberry preserves of which
you spoke. We have to furnish our
own table and vegetables cannot be
procured then at an exorbitant price,
and the consequence is that scurvy &
similar affections have frequently made
their appearance.
You will probably receive this letter
on Thursday the 1oth and this will
give you time to send the articles
desired by express on Saturday the 18th
at this time I shall have some
person at the Depot to receiver them.
If that day is too hasty to suit your
convenience, write me on which day
the box will be sent. be sure to
enclose a receipt & enclose it by letter.
Tell Grandmama that I am constant-
ly wearing the yarn socks & flannel
shirt with which she so Knowo’ly &
wisely provided me. I have never
yet experience any loss by following
either her or Grandpa’s advice, and
[Written in top margin on page 1:]
my only regret is that I have not observed
then more rigidly. My affectionate love to both.
I shall write
Grandpapa tomorrow.
Hoping to hear from you as frequently as heretofore
& that you will continue ever in the straight
path of which leads to happiness. I remain
Your affectionate Bro.
J. W. Daniel
[Written in side margin on page 1:]
P. S. Grandma’s letter was rec’vd this morning.

[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards with annotations by Robert K. Krick]

John Warwick Daniel, 1842-1910, disabled in the Battle of the Wilderness, later a University of Virginia law graduate, U. S. Senator and famous orator, known as the "Lame Lion of Lynchburg."

[probably George P. Quackenbos, A Natural Philosophy, & Mitchell’s Modern Atlas, (N.Y. 1859). ]

MSS 158