1862 January 24 [Centreville]

John Warwick Daniel's previous letter continues]

[page 5]
Jan. 24th 1862.
My letter has been detained
for a couple of days by a tempor-
ary derangement of our mails,
and I have determined to add
to it before sending it off.
Yesterday the mare was sent
up to me from Manassas, and
I am glad to say in good
appearance, and condition.
I have not yet had an oppor-
tunity of testing her qualifica-
tions as a work horse, but she
has improved – quite considera-
bly in docility, and I doubt not
will admirably answer the
purpose for which she is
intended. I shall be able
in a few days to provide
her with very comfortable
quarters.
This evening I expect to
go into my Winter Quarters
which are quite snug,

[page 6]
and comfortable.
The chief topic of conversa-
tion in the regiment at
present, is the succession
to the command of our brig-
ade, that post being ren-
dered vacant by the promotion
of Genl. Ewell. Col. Garland
it is generally thought will
be the successful aspirant,
and I think my self that
his friends will probably
secure him the office.
The Col. is popular with
the regt. but I am sorry
to say that I cannot re-
pose that confidence in
him which others seem
to do. He is certainly
not the man whom
I would select as

[page 7]
my General, or my leader.
Should he receive the pro-
motion the other Field
Officers will also, I sup-
pose, rise in succession,
& the Senior Capt. (Saunders)
be appointed Major.
Kirk[wood] Otey would be the
regimental choice for the
latter position, but Saun-
ders is the ranking officer,
and is moreover acces-
sible to the appointing
power.
I am well.
With Love, I remain
Your Affectionate Son,
Jno. W. Daniel


[Col. Samuel Garland, Jr. VMI graduate in 1849,Co. G, 11th Virginia Infantry.]

Centreville
Jan. 24th 1862.
My Dear Sister,
Your letter was
received yesterday, and I write
now merely for the sake of
reply, for really, as Abram
would say, there is nothing
to write about.
I wrote Grandpapa a
letter on the 22nd enclosing
a short one to you, both
of which I hope have
been received.
The eatables Grandma
so kindly prepared & for-
warded to me have
been very much enjoyed.
The Cake & preserves sent
by Ma were likewise very

[page 2]
fine. You will please say
to Ma that they have
been received, and are
very nice.
Don’t forget to send me
by William Miller, Quaker [?]
book ( or other) Nat’l Philosophy,
Farquelle’s French Exercises,
Livy, Caesar, or Sallust,
& the book of Tapo’s of
which Grandma spoke
in a late letter, also
if you can spare it
a volume of Mrs. Browning’s
poems. I have ample
conveyance for all, & they
shall certainly be
taken good care of.
I go in my Winter
Quarters this evening.
They are very

[page 3]
snug & warm although
somewhat limited in
space & number of apart-
ments.
My love to all.
Hoping to hear from you
soon & frequently,
I remain
Your Affec. Brother
John W. Daniel.

11th Regt. Va. Vols.
Centreville Jan. 24th
1862.
Hon. J. P. Benjamin,
Sir:
A number of
men sufficient according to
regulation for the formation of
a Company of Light Artillery,
have given me their names,
and requested me to tender
their services to the Depart –
ment for the War under the
condition that the Battery
be furnished them. I there-
fore respectfully request to
be informed whether the
Company will be accep-
ted to serve in this capac-
ity or not.
The men are twelve-

[page 2]
month volunteers, and
chiefly members of this
regiment.
You will oblige myself
by affording the desired
information as soon as
convenient.
Very Respectfully
Jno. W. Daniel
Lieut. Co. A
11th Va. Vols.

John Warwick Daniel, 1842-1910, University of Virginia law school, noted orator, and U.S. Senator
[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 158