1862 January 26 Out Post no 2

Out Post No 2
Jany 26” Sunday Night
My darling Jennie
With 5 companies numbering 196 men
rank & file I left camp and got here by one
Oclock our baggage train coming about dark
Lieut Whit Kisling of Capt Yanceys Co is my
acting Adjutant and Dr Morson my Surgeon
we three have a good room furnished with
beds chairs tables & in the house of a friend
near my line. the weather has been windy
but not cold and my men seem to have
a very good time of it. For my own part
I am perfectly comfortable & had rather
be here than in camp Billy of course
is with me. I expect to be able to re
turn to camp on Tuesday. The only draw
back on picket is that we are compelled
to sleep in our clothes. could I undress and
if you could safely be with me I dont
know but that we could be quite as com-
fortable in our present quarters as we
could if I was at Frescatti. We are not
pleased with the result of the fight at Som-
erset Ky. It is reported here that Genl
Beauregard is to go to Ky. I hope this
is true for he is not only popular with
our men but is a terror to the Yankeys
and thus he will inspire confidence on

[page 2]
our side & at the same time discourage
the other side. You know I dont think as
much of the little Frenchman as I do of
Genl Johnston yet I do think he is the
man to send to Ky. Genl Van Dorn has
gone to Missouri. this is another good plan
he is just the man for the place and
was not needed here. I blame Genl Critinden
for the Ky misfortune. Critinden was here
for some time & I am told was drunk all the
time & I doubt not was drunk at the fight
No body but a drunken fool would attack
14000 men believing there was only 1500
I think we are geting [sic] up a better feeling
on the subject of reinlisting [sic]. by good man-
agement a majority of our men could be
got to revolunteer, but I dont think I will
have much to do with it.
My camp post is about 2 ½ miles from Fairfax
Station & 4 miles from our regimental camp &
not far from the R R. our picket is on the
R. R. I hope when this reaches you you &
the children will both be quite well. kiss the
dear little creatures for me & tell them papa
does want to see them so much. I saw George
the day before I wrote my last letter. he was
quite well. but I neither hear nor see Edward
nor James.
Most truly & factually ETHW



"Lieut Whit Kisling", line 4 - 'Whitfield G. Kisling, 1st Lieutenant, Company E, 10th VA Infantry.'

"Capt Yanceys Co", line 4 - 'Captain William B. Yancey, Captain, Company E, 10th VA Infantry.'

"Dr Morson", line 5 - 'John A. Morson, Assistant Surgeon, 10th VA Infantry.'

"Frescatti", line 20 - 'Frascati, childhood home of Jennie.'

"Beauregard", line 23 - 'Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard.'

"Genl Johnston", page 2, line 4 - 'Joseph Eggleston Johnston, commanding general, Confederate Army of the Potomac.'

"Genl Van Dorn", page 2, line 5 - 'Earl Van Dorn.'

"Genl Critinden", page 2, lines 8 & 9 - "George Bibb Crittenden.'

"R R", page 2, line 21 - "This was the Orange and Alexandria Railroad.'

"George", page 2, line 25 - 'Jennie's brother George S. Magruder, Corporal, Company C, 13th VA Infantry.'

"Edward", page 2, line 27 - 'Jennie's brother Edward J. Magruder, Captain, Company A, 8th GA Infantry.'

"James", page 2, line 28 - 'Jennie's brother James W. Magruder, Sergeant, Company K, 2nd VA Cavalry.'



[transcription and annotation by John P. Mann, IV]

MSS 7786-g