1862 January 24

Camp Walker
Friday Night 24” Jany 62
My darling
I go on picket tomorrow mor
ning at post No 2 which is on the
RR this side of Fairfax Station. I was
ordered to report to Genl Stuart at Cen-
treville for orders this afternoon and
have just returned. I left C at dark
and had the darkest wetest [sic] muddiest
ride I ever did have. I could not
go out of a slow walk & performed
this trip under rain & sleet and
thus had a fair opportunity to feel
exceedingly grateful to you for the
very warm helmet & overcoat with
which you had provided me. Jennie
I had to dismount & flounder about
in the mud which was a foot deep
looking for the road I never had
such a time. but now I am
back & enjoying a splendid fire
which Maj Walker in his kind-
ness had waiting for me. And
Billy has pulled off my boots and
cleaned the mud off & rubed [sic] my spurs
bright & neat nice. I fear I shall have
a very bad time on picket but
Genl Stuart tells me I will have a
good house and hope therefore to be
able to take care of myself. The Genl
made a great fuss over me - invited
to supper (which I declined) pressed
me to come & see him – of such a

[page 2]
rate that I am almost tempted to
believe that he means what he says
It is all right about ole Abram
buying supplies for me. I forgot to
tell you but I think he has eggs
enough we use them mainly in corn
bread. we cook them sometimes, not
often. I have recd my cap, but you
will have to pay the bill, I have
no money. I hope by this time
Jimmy is all right. if not you
had better consult a Doctor I would
prefer Newman. I have been bothered
all my life with that complaint
simply because I was too much neg-
lected when a little boy like Jim
I doubt not it is one of the effects of
meazles [sic]. I was at the Junction this
morning and got 5 lbs sugar at 40 cts
Take care of yourself my darling
if a good big drink helps you why
I would take it, certain. You know
I generally take it if I think it will
do me any good. You need rest more
than any thing else and I do hope
you will soon by reason of Jims
perfect recovery be able to take it.
Tell my little darlings they must
[not] be a trouble to mama but must take
good care of her & pet her until papa
can come & then he will pet them
all a good dele [sic]. I will write to
you once while on picket.
Most affectionately ETHW


"Genl Stuart", line 4 & 26 -

"The Genl", line 28 - 'All three refer to General James Ewell Brown Stuart'

"C", line 6 - 'Centreville'

"helmet", line 13 - 'This does not refer to a decorative or protective item which we know today, but to a balaclava.'

"Maj Walker", line 20 - "Major Samuel T. Walker, 10th VA Infantry'

"Jimmy", page 2, line 11 -

"Jim", page 2, line 16 -

"Jims", page 2, line 26 - 'All three refer to his son James Magruder, born 3 May 1856. He lived to become a well-respected physician in Harrisonburg.'

"Newman", page 2, line 13 - 'Anderson Moffett Newman, Harrisonburg physician.'

"Junction", page 2, line 18 - 'Manassas Junction'

"cts", page 2, line 19 - 'cents Warren would have paid a total of $2 for the five pounds of sugar.'





[Transcription and annotations by John P. Mann, IV]


MSS 7786-g