1862 February 20 Fort Grafton

Fort Grafton Feb 20th 1862

My darling wife

We have been very much disheartened here
by the late news from Kentucky. Our news is rather
meagre but we are satisfied it is no less better than reported.
The fact of 15000 men surrendering to any number is
looked upon as somewhat disgraceful; and the fact of
Floyd's escape (by fighting or flying, I dont know) shows that
if there was no glory to be gained, we should not have
suffered so much loss. The executive is loosing favor badly
by bad and injudicious appointments to high command
The army of the peninsula, in this way, has lost one of
its best commanders in the Confederate service, and one
who possessed the confidence of his officers & men in an
eminent degree. Salakowski I mean who has been out
ranked by Howell Cobb--a very fine man but not much
of soldier I suppose. If the report about Floyd be true
he is a great man--every one down here swears by him
I am at this moment (2 1/2 AM) on Guard; no one except
the sentinels and myself awake. I miss you very much
and would give anything to be with you, I am not
happy away from you.

Give me a little of the news about Charlottesville when you
write again and let me know what effect the draft has.
Unless affairs take a different aspect soon, I am afraid I
shall have to enlist for the war--I have no idea that this
company will reenlist as a company--some will no doubt,
but they cant get off from this company until July, so that
they could be of no service to [?] at present.
Who did you refer to in your last letter as Thompson?
With much love to every body and a heartfull for
your self I am, my dear precious wifey.

Your affectionate husband

[Howe Peyton Cochran]

MSS 9380