Hd Qurs 3d Brigade
    Dec 21st (Sunday) 1862
My own darling Jennie
Last night, to day, and to night we are ex-
periencing the coldest weather of the season and
our men and officers are suffering no little.  So
far as I am concerned my tent & stove enable me
to keep comfortable.  George & I sleep together and
Cupid fixed himself down by the stove and when
I get cold I call him up to make a fire for me.
Notwithstanding the fight and the terable [sic] whiping [sic]
we gave the Yankeys the campaign still continues
and as yet we see no signs of Winter Quarters
For instance – I have a picket of 50 men on the road
between me & the river and this evening I sent
two regiments and my battery to picket at
a point six miles below this place, thus keeping
half of the brigade on duty.  This thing cant last
very long  no set of men under the sun can stand
it, and we had better cross the river & give battle
to the enimy [sic] on their own ground than try
to keep up this sort of work.  I am in perfect
ignorance as to the movements of the enimy [sic] &
Genl Lees purpose in relation to them.  You see
the papers which is the only source from which
we get information and hence you know all
that I can tell you.  I gather from the papers that

[page 2]
the Yankey army is very much demoralized and
from what the prisoners say I believe they will
never again make as good a fight as the last
one & that was a poor one indeed.  And I hope
that the Lincoln Government will be so much dis
jointed by their last & repeated defeats that
eventually it will give up the contest, but I have
been so often disappointed in my hopes that
now I have a mind prepared for any sort of
contingencies except defeat.  Having all the facts
before you to the same extent that I have I must
leave you to work out for yourself a theory for
peace.  When I see the comments of the Northern
press on the result of our last battle I can better
form an opinion.  The last letter I received from
you was through Bob Ewing dated 13” inst eight
days ago and am very anxious to hear again.  I
am fearful that the children may get the scarlet
fever – try my darling and write to me as often as
you can so as to relieve my mind of its anxiety
about you.  Your letter giving me an account of
Lizzie entertaining the soldiers was handed to me on
the battle field and I stood up and read it in
full view of the Yankey lines while the flag of truce
was in the field and thus in the midst of hostilities
which were removed by the time I was done reading
it.  my mind was carried back to our sweet little
home in the Valley and its dear inmates – for
whom I was there fighting.  It was a pleasant little

[page 3]
episode in the savage scenes of the day and
was a momentary & pleasant relief from the anx-
iety of mind which I felt & had felt during the day.
I had a singular position – a strong one in which
my men were well protected but in which my of-
ficers and especially myself & staff were greatly
exposed.  I came near loosing my horse in 20 min-
utes after I came on the field a Minnie ball passing
under him & striking a tree – but thank be to God
who giveth the victory, our enimy [sic] was too much
dispirited & confused by the defeat of the day be-
fore to renew the fight again.  I would like to have
seen Lizzie doing the honors of the house and as for
Jim I suppose he was a big man generally.  I am
greatly pleased that your friends do not forget you
I always feel better after I get a letter saying that
you have had so many visitors especially if they
are of persons who I know are agreeable to you.
I know that you are always fond of company
of the right sort and in my absence it is a real
relief to you.  In one of your letters you said that
some of the good people of HBurg were in some
commotion over the idea that I was a Brig Genl
You may say to them that I am only a Colnl &
not likely to be anything else.  I have not asked
to be made a Brigadier nor do I intend to.  I
dont want to be ambitious of military honors and
pray to God that I may not become so.  I am only
desirous to fully discharge my duty, whether it be

[page 4]
as commander of a regiment or brigade and if I
succeed in doing this it will be because I have
been by a Higher Power blessed with the wisdom
courage & prudence to do so.  I am therefore the
neither a subject for the envy or notice of the wicked
nor yet the a subject for the praise of the good.  If
my conduct can always command the approval
of my own conscience, which it really does not
always do, I am certain my wife will approve
and I hope my Maker will approve and
I shall be or at least ought to be satisfied
Though I am perfectly free to confess I am
not insensable [sic] to the worlds applause and can
only say I will try not to look for it, and not
to be disappointed if I fail to receive it.
 If I could see this war ended, our armies dis-
banded & sent home to their families & I myself
restored to my family & the pleasures of domestic
life I would ask for and receive desire no higher honors
and Oh! how often after each day of my life
do I put the question “when will this strife cease”?
“when will we have peace”?  I am sick of scenes
of bloodshed carnage & death.  Just think of
15000 living human bodies being mutilated in
a single day of 7000 men women & children &
the population of an entire city – being driven
from their homes in midwinter and sent
out among a people themselves have
scarcely enough to eat, and then of a town being

[letter abruptly ends.]

“Hd Qurs”, heading – Head Quarters.

“My own darling Jennie”, salutation – Warren’s wife Virginia ‘Jennie’ Watson Magruder Warren.

“George”, line 5 – Jennie’s brother – George S. Magruder, Private, Company C, 13th VA Infantry.  At the time of the letter he was temporarily assigned as Colonel Warren’s orderly.

“Cupid”, line 6 – A servant or slave of the Magruder or Warren family, he was currently working for Warren.

“the brigade”, line 15 – As noted in the heading of the letter, Warren was in temporary command of the 3rd Brigade, Taliaferro’s Division, 2nd Corps, Army of Northern Virginia, which consisted of the 47th & 48th Alabama Infantry regiments, and the 10th, 23rd, & 37th VA Infantry regiments.

“Bob Ewing”, page 2, line 16 – Robert B. Ewan, 1st Corporal, Company B, 10th VA Infantry.

“the children”, page 2, line 18 – Warren had three at the time: seven year old Lizzie, six year old James M., and ten month old Virginia ‘Jennie’ Watson.

“Lizzie”, page 2, line 22; page 3, line 13 – Warren’s seven year old daughter.

“the Valley”, page 2, line 28 – Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

“Jim”, page 3, line 14 – Warren’s six year old son James M.

“HBurg”, page 2, line 22 – Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, Virginia.

“Brig Genl”, page 3, line 23 – Brigadier General.

“Colnl”, page 3, line 24 – Colonel.

Even though the last page of this letter is currently missing, it was written by Edward Tiffin Harrison Warren, Colonel, 10th VA Infantry.

[transcript by John P. Mann, IV]

MSS 7786-g

                                        Head Quarters, Divn
                                             Dec 21, 62
Genl:
    Yr. kind note I have just recd & beg you to accept
my thanks–In my report I had approximated to give
statement of  casualties.- Be assured, Dear Sir I shall
remember with lively satisfaction the gallant bravery of
yourself & command during the short time I had the hon-
or to have you under my orders.
                              Very respy. & truly
                                    Yr. Mo. Ob St
                                        R. Ransom jr
                                           Brig-Gen

MSS 4098

Camp near Port Royal
Caroline Co., Dec 21 ’62

My Dear Sister,
Your lit-
tle note of the 29th ult. made
its appearance  here about a week since
and it is unnecessary for me
to say that its reception gave
me unusual delight for it
was the first one that I re
ceived and I can assure you that
I prized it.  It was so long
before a letter came to hand
that I began to think you
were going to retaliate for
the treatment you received at
my hands last winter.
You can’t imagine my dis
appointment when mail after
mail arrived and no tidings

[page 2]
were received from my dear lit-
tle sister.  I think I wrote a-
bout nine letters before I rece’d
a single answer.  You must
excuse me for writing today
but Jno. Sayers is going to
send his boy Dave home to
morrow & I tho’t it would be
a better opportunity than to risk
it by mail. Our Brigade did
get engaged in the late bat-
tle as you have no doubt
heard; that is we did not get
to fire, we were fired upon
however & had a number of
men wounded.  We were order-
ed on the battle field about 12 o’-
clock on Saturday during the
heat of the battle.  Lieut. Col.
Gardner was wounded while
taking the Reg. on the field.
The command then devolved
upon Major Terry, who

[page 3]
as usual acquited himself with
great credit.  On Sunday we
moved down to the Railroad
& laid in a ditch all day–
that was my birthday &
I expected to celebrate it by
doing some hard fighting.
The Yankees were not more
 than five hundred yards
from us & would fire at
us whenever we showed our
heads above the Railroad track.
Your letter was rece’d just
after returning from that place
& you may imagine my feel-
ings upon received it.
We had only one man wound-
ed in our company, little Tom
Chatwell was wounded in the
foot whilst out skirmishing.
I suppose you have seen an
account of the battles in the
papers therefore I shall give

[page 4]
no further details.  Mitchell
has had a requisition made
on the Reg. for the purpose
of having me detailed, but I
haven’t much hopes of having
it put thro’.  Therefore I wish
you to tell Pa that I want
him to let me have Charles
if he can possibly spare him
if I succeed in getting off
it will not be much trouble
to take him back with me.
I also stand very much in
need of an oven, lid & skillet.
I suppose they can be procured
at some furnace, if not, please
send them from home if you
can possibly spare them.
If he sends Charles tell him
to bring an ax with him as
there none to had down
here.  I am very sorry to hear
of the depression of Cousin Fannie’s

[cross hatched on page 1]
spirits, can’t imagine the cause. Oh Nan I rece’d one of
the sweetest little letters from Cousin Titia the other day
that was ever my good fortune to rece’d–she was so
long answering it that I tho’t mine to her was another
ill fated epistle  I heard yesterday that part of the
Army of the North West was on its way to Richmond.
I was glad to hear that Trigg’s Reg. had been
sent from Wytheville–hope they will send his
Rangers off also.  I’m writing in a great hurry
so please excuse this letter.  I will write again
in a few days.  Your affectionate Bro. J.
My best love to all

James Graham Tate, Co. A. 4th Virginia

MSS 9232-n

[from the diary of Frank C. Fitzhugh of Cutshaw’s Battery]

                                  Sunday 21
Uncle Albert Dade came
to see us.  remained but a
few minutes.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 4448

Camp near Fredericksburg
   Sunday Afternoon
       Dec 21st 1862-
        Dear Phebe
           It is the lords
Lords day and all active
opperations are suspended
the immense armies are
still and from the two
sides of the Rappahanock they
can look each other in the
face  On the right bank
you can see the ruins of a
once beautiful citty, all
torn with shot and shell
the inhabitants driven out
on to the plains and into
the woods: the guilty and the
innocent all in one mass
Under a flag of truce both
parties  are burying the dead
and removeing the wounded
to more comfortable

[page 2]
quarters.  We sent 2800 to
Washington last night and
yet there are many more
The loss on both sides is
fearful but to me the
worst of all was the
bombardment of the citty
We did not arrive in time
to witness it but the effects
of it are but too plainly
visible.  There are but few
buildings either public
or private: but what are
riddled with shot: The
streets are ploughed up
by the explosions of the
shell and altogether the
scene is to horrible for
me to give you any thing
like an addequate dis
cription: Of prospects I
cannot tell you much
The reserve was sent

[page 3]
for and we marched
with great speed to assist
Burnside, but it does not
appear that we were need
ed here after all and I
hear it rumored that we
shall not remain here
long: I cannot write any
more now.  I have got
the papers also the writing
paper & envelopes: I am in
want of some few things
and as it is so uncertain
whether I should get
them if you sent them
I think you had better
send me the money and
I will get them here.
We have not been paid
one cent since we left
Lynfield and when they
will pay us is more than
I know, I should like

[page 4]
to have $3. or 4 you can
send it 1 at a time in a letter
and if it is lost it will not
be a great deal send U S
bills yours with love
                         Josiah
It is dreadful cold

Josiah Perry,  Co. K, 33rd Massachusetts

MSS 2215

[from the diary of Samuel S. Johnson, of the 1st Massachusetts Independent Light Battery]

                                Dec 21st

     Unlike the two preceeding ones, these two
past weeks have been remarkably active, and
eventful, until the 10th however, every thing was
very quiet;  on that day, we received the orders
to march to attack G. Early on the morning
of the 11th, we left our encampment at Belle
Plain.  Oh, wasn’t it cold! (The rebs having refused
to comply with Gen Burnside’s summons to
surrender, the city of  F. to our forces.) over one
hundred peices of artillery opened simultaneously
on the ill fated city, and from day light
until dark a most furious bombardment was
kept up.  Arrived at the banks of the
Rappahannock river, at three P. M. where
we encamped for the night, after making
a vain attempt to cross the river.  Early
the next morning we were again turned out,

hitched up, and at 7. A. M we crossed the
river at Franklin’s crossing on a pontoon bridge,
and went into position about 2000 yds in front
of the rebel lines.  The day has been very misty,
about three P. M, the mist began to disappear raise left.
At this time, the 1st N. J. Brigade was moving
through the battery in column by division,
closed in mass: the rebs seeing this movement,
opened on us, a heavy and rapid fire from
their artillery;  to this fire the 1st N. J. and 1st
N. Y. batteries replied vigorously, and until dark
a severe cannonading was kept up, all along
our lines, our guns being short range, we retired.
Early the next morning all our batteries right
and left opened, and to our fire the rebs replied
vigorously: until 11. A. M a most terrible action
ensued; we were repulsed at every point, at
this time both sides, as if by mutual consent
ceased fireing, and until two P. M. all was
very quiet.  At 12. M. we were sent to take the
position occupied by an Ohio battery during
the forenoon, but who were unable to stand
their ground.  Shortly after going into position,
a reb battery came into position exactly
opposite to us, upon which we trailled our
guns, and opened a very rapid and heavy
fire, and which was so accurate that the
rebs did not return a single shot.  we
entirely demolished this battery.  Our battery

opening when it did proved a signal for our entire
line, and from two P. M. until four a [word lined through] terrible
fight ensued, the cannonading was perfectly
deafening,  at four the rebs opened on us a cross
fire from a 20 pdr. gun, their first shot striking
one of our limber wheels, breaking it in pieces,
cutting off a serg’ts leg, and seriously wounding one
other man in the arm.  Night coming on, the
conflict ceased, and found our army severely
whipped;  we were repulsed in every undertaking,
especially on the right was our loss severe;
on the left we were more successful, and but
for the treachery of Gen Frankling, a most
decisive victory was gained would have been
gained.  The next two days we lay in position,
but nothing of a serious nature took place.
On the night of the 15th Burnside having
called a council of war. who deemed it unad-
visable to attack the rebs again; we  re crossed
the river and returned to our respective camps.
Our loss has been from eight to twelve
thousand.  With one or two exception’s, the
weather has been mild and pleasant.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 8493

[from the message book of Lt. Thomas S. Seabury, 3rd New York Infantry]

Dec. 21st
  To Capt. Liebenan
     A lighter is here with
     30 sacks salt passed by
     Capt. Judson-shall I
     let her pass
          (Signed) Col. W

Dec. 21st
  To Capt. Liebenan
     The Dolly is
     here shall I let her pass?
          (Signed) Col. W

Dec. 21st
  To Col Wardrop
     Keep the salt &
     keep the Dollie.
               (Signed) Genl. Viele

MSS 10781

[from the diary of the Rev. Francis E. Butler, chaplain of the 25th New Jersey]

Sun. 21 – bright & cold.  Visited hos.  Distributed tracts & books.  Held
service in P. M.  Dr. Blundel here –

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12935

[from the diary of John Ward of the 102nd Pennsylvania]

Dec 21st Sunday
all quite along
the lines this
morengin

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12913

[from the diary of Captain William F. Hunter, Co. B., 97th Ohio]

     Dec. 21st, ’62.
Today rode over
to the 51st Ohio, & saw Sam. Worthing-
ton; his father re-signed last Sept.,
at Bowling Green,
Ky. Ordered to have 3-
day’s rations cooked & in
haversacks, & be ready to
march at a moments
notice.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 10547-bm