Head Qrs Dept. of Alexandria

Col. P. St Geo. Cockee
Va. Vols

Sir,

I have received your
letter of the 18th Instant with its enclosures,
and have sent the letter to the President
with my endorsement presuming
that to be your desire. I hope soon
to be able to avail myself of your ex-
perience and ability by giving you
the command of a Regiment with
this command–

Very Respectfully
Your Obdt. Servt.
G. T. Beauregard
Brig. Ge. Va Comg

My dear wife:-

This is the first opportunity I have had to write to you since I have been here, and for fear that you may hear of our fight on the 10th I write at once to let you know that I am all safe and sound, and I can almost say that there is nobody hurt on our side. Now I will give you some account of myself and our doings since I got here. I wrote to you on the 3rd day we left Camp Chimborazo. Capt. Stanards Co. and the Georgia regiment came down together. We left Richmond that night about 10 o’clock. I had the pleasure of sleeping out in a hard rain that night, without any cover at all. However I am getting used to that life now. I never was in better health in my life. We got here about 11 o’clock the next day. I found John here much to my delight, and quite well. After we got our tents up, he and myself took a walk to see this old and renound village, it is not a large place, but a very old looking town. The old breast-works behind which Cornwallis fought are still standing, they have been renewed and with many new ones just put up, promse to the world another 19th of October. The field in which the British surrendered is about one mile back, I passed it on my way to Newport News. We had not been here but one hour before we got orders for our Company to march towards Newport. We stopped at a Church about 15 miles from here, and under Maj. Randolph’s directions, commenced throwing up breastworks. The next day we sent out some of our men with one of the guns to look after the Yankees. They fell in with a party of them about 95 strong, we had about 18 or 20, we drove them back killed 5 or 6 and took two prisoners. Nothing of importance happened then until Sunday evening, when we heard that they were advancing onus, some 4000 strong (which was corredt) we had only 1600 men, with cannons, they had 4 pieces. Of those 1600, there were about 120 Howitzers 2nd & 3rd Company, the rest were a regiment of true and brave North Carolinians. We commenced the battle at ten o’clock, firing three guns first, and then came one of the hardest fought battles that has ever occured in this Country, it lasted near three hours. We fought about 250 yards apart both parties throwing cannister and grape shot from their cannon. I cannot describe to you how the balls flew, think of a heavy hailstorm and you will have some idea. They poured the hottest of the fire from their guns at the Howitzers for about an hour, we stood that with a drop fire from the infantry at the same time. Not one man flinched all that time. Our gunners would take deliberate aim and discharge their guns, and would rake file after file of the enemy. A bomb shell of ours would burst in their ranks and kill 15 or 20 at a time. They were composed of “Billy Willson” Zouaves, one or two regiments of U.S. Regulars, commanded by Gen. Butler in person. We killed one of the Capt. of the New York 7th Regiment. I have a grape shot to show you. We must have killed about 200 of them and wounded as many more. On our part, we had 3 slightly wounded, Lieut Hudnal of 2nd Com. in the foot, 2 privates one in knee and the other in the hand, and one North Carolinian killed. My dear wife I can assure you I have not exaggerated this account, or drawn a bright picture. I cannont account for our escape, but in one way, that is Providence was on our side. We were commanded by Maj. Randolph a braver man never lived, the Carolinians by Col. Hill, all by Gen. McGruder, John Fitzhugh fought like a Turk at his gun. I stood at my piece w[h]ere the ball flew thick and fast. I suppose 50 balls struck within 10 to 20 inches from me. I t hought a thousand time of you dear Bettie, and the good advice you have so often given me. We left that place that night, as we could nothold it against the force they would bring today to drive us out. You must give my best love to all, thel Catlett I didnot wish to have hm with me then. I left my watch with Father. I wish you to send to him for it. Some one that is going to Richmond will bring it up to you. Dirct your letters to me care Capt. R. C. Stannard 3rd Co. Howitzers, York Town Va. Let me know how you are getting, is yourhealt as good etc. I must now bring this to a close as I want to write to Capt. Carr.

Good bye dearest Bettie, be happy and cheerful for my sake is the wish of your devoted husband,

F[rank] F[itzhugh] Thornton

from a later copy of the letter in MSS 4448

Headquarters Camp Bethel

Lieut. Col. Garnett:

Sir: The enemy, thirty-five hundred (3,500) strong,
attacked us at our post, and after a very animated conflict of
two hours and a half was repulsed at all points and totally
routed. Four companies of cavalry are now in hot pursuit
towards Newport News. I cannot speak too highly of the
devotion f our troops, all of whom did their duty nobly, and
whilst it might appear invidious to speak particularly f any
regiment or corps, where all behaved so well, I am compelled
to express my great appreciation of the skill and gallantry
of Major Randolph and his Howitzer Batteries, and Colonel
Hill, the officers and men of the North Carolina regiment.
As an instance of the latter, I will merely mention that a gun
under the gallant Captain Brown of the Howitzer Bat-
tery, having been rendered unfit for service by the breaking
of a priming wire in the vent, and not being defended by
infantry from the small number we had at our command,
Captain Brown threw it over a precipice, and the work was
occupied for a moment by the enemy. Captain Bridgers of
the North Carolina Regiment, in the most gallant manner
retook it and held it until Captain Brown had replaced and
put in position another piece, and then defended it with his
infantry in the most gallant manner. Col. Hill’s judicious
and determined action was worthy of his ancient glory,
and Colonel Stuart, Major Montague, Major Carey, Cap-
tains Walker and Atkinson, with every officer and every
man under their command, did good service in the front of
the fight.

The able and efficient manner in which Captains Douthatt,
Phillips and Jones, of the cavalry performed the duties of
infantry, and Lieutenant Chisman of the Wythe Rifles, in
protecting the rear of the position, is deserving of high
commendation.

There were many acts of personal gallantry, some under
my own observation, and others which were rreported to me,
that I will take occasion to mention in a subsequent commu-
nication. At present, I expect another attack, and have no
time.

I am extremely indebted to the two brothers, Robert H.
and Wm. R. Vaughan, my Acting Commissary and Quarter-
master, for the most gallant and efficient services, no less
than to my youthful aids Mr. George A. Magruder, Jr., and
Hugh Stannard, who were always in the front of the fight,
and upon whom I request the Government to bewtow com-
missions, as they are desirous of entering the regular ser-
vice.

In the hurry of this communicatin I may have omitted
to mention many gallant men.

I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully, your obd’t serv’t
(signed) J. Bankhead Magruder
Colonel Commanding.

To Col.R. S. Garnett.

Number of killed and wounded on our side–1 killed and
7 wounded.
Enemy–10 dead bodies found as reported to me, and
perhaps 50 wounded. Three prisoners.
Our force, all told, about 1200 men.
Enemy–3,500 with 18 and 24 pound guns besides light
guns.
(signed) J.B. M.

A1862 .C48 L4 Mar. 31

[from the diary of Wesley Hammond of the Dixie Grays]

Monday 10. Volunteered in Salem &
drilled there until the 27th.

Hammond was a corporal in Company E, 42 Virginia Infantry
MSS 5526

Dear Sir [General John Hartwell Cocke]

When I was at school at your
home you had a Mexican or Texian
saddle tree which the boys used to
ride. I write to know if you have
the tree now if so will you part with
it & what will you take for it. I am
going to go into service and cant get
a saddle of the kind in this county
you will please address me at
Carters Bridge P.O Alb. Co Va.
Let me hear from you as soon as
convenient as I expect to leave home
next week

Yours Resptly
W. Clarke Timberlake

PS. I direct to you or the Dr thinking you
might be from home & he could give me
the necessary information. If you have
the tee & will part with it send it
Scotsville care of J. R. Staton & send
Bill by mail yours
WCT

MSS 640

My Dear Father:
I have
written less often to you
than I should have done
had my letters to members
to the family been more
seldom, but knowing that
you would see from them
that I was well, and contin-
ued to be comfortably situ-
ated I felt satisfied that
you would understand my
position.

We are now evidently on
the eve of some grand
Military movement, but of its
object, or direction we are

[page 2]
In utter ignorance. I should
be led to suppose that our
destination was the “Relay
House” but the force at
Point of Rocks has been
withdrawn, and this does not
seem indicative of a forward
Movement in that direction.
Again, it might be supposed
we would fall back on Winches-
ter, but yesterday 800 Georgians
arrived ^ ‘here’ from that place, and
to-day 1000 more are expec-
ted. It may be that we are
going to avenge the fall of
Philippi by falling unexpec-
tedly on that part of the
Country with Superior force.
You can probably suggest
the object of the manoeuver

[page 3]
with as much, or more
certainty than I, or any
of the inferior Officers.
Col. Gordon has directed
me to cooperate with the
Company of which I am
Drill-master, and I am
glad of it, as all the
men seem attached to
me, and gratified to
know that I am to ac-
company them. The
Captain of the Company
is a gentleman some 30
years of age at present
Clerk of Alleghany County,
and formerly Editor of
a Covington. He is a
man of good feelings, kind,
and obliging, and may I
think be relied on.

[page 4]
Altogether my circumstances
are quite Satisfactory, my
health good &c.

I know of no news which would
prove interesting. Rumours
are frequent, but utterly un-
authorized. We heard yes-
terday that a member of the
Lbg [Lynchburg] Home Guard had distin-
guished himself by capturing
one of the enemies Scouts
while endeavoring to make
his way through the line
of Sentinels. From the
description given of the affair
I was led to hope and believe
that Steuart Cabell, was the
lucky soldier, and I still
Entertain the same sentiments.
If my conjectures be true
let me know, and give me
a faithful account of the
Capture.

[page 5]
Troops are constantly defi-
ling past us, baggage wagons,
and artillery pieces are
lumbering by, and prepara-
tions for the movement of
the whole are I think
nearly Concluded. To night
probably the march will
Commence. I shall
Continue to write punctu-
ally whenever an oppor-
tunity is afforded, and
will give you an ac-
count of all prominent
Events as they transpire.
Hoping to hear from you
Soon, and to know that you
and all are well, I remain
Affectionately Your Son
Jno. W. Daniel.

Captain Joseph Hannah Carpenter commanded the one
Alleghany County Company in the 27th Virginia, which is what Gordon’s became. The company later transferred to artillery service and became an independent battery. Carpenter was in fact deputy county clerk.” – Robert K. Krick

Colonel William Westmoreland Gordon, 1831-1893

The man referred to at the bottom of page 4 was Robert Stuart Cabell of the Lynchburg Home Guard – R.K.K.

MSS 158

AdInspectr Generals Offic e

Sir

The services of Capt Thomas being
immediately required to proceed to Lewisburg
with Genl Wise you will please cause him
to be relieved by some officer of your com
mand, & to proceed at once to join the General

I am Sir Resply
Yr Obdt Sevt
C.H. Chilton
Lt Col & Adj

To
Colonel Ph St Geo Cocke
Comdg Camp Henry
Culpepper Ct Ho
Va

Robert Hall Chilton, 1815-1879, from Loudoun County, Va., was a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy and a career officer cited for bravery during the Mexican War. He initially served in the field on General Robert E. Lee’s staff and later became Inspector General for the entire Army of Northern Virginia.

Henry A Wise, a former U.S. Congressman, Minister to Brazil, and Governor of Virginia, in which post he signed the death warrant of John Brown and ordered the seizure of the U. S. Arsenal at Harpers Ferry and Norfolk’s Gosport Naval Yards. Political connections led to his appointment as a Brigadier General but he performed poorly in the 1861 Kanawha Valley Campaign. [See the diary of Micajah Woods for deprecating comments about Wise’s performance in that campaign.] He continued to serve throughout the war and afterwards resumed his career as lawyer, eventually supporting U. S. Grant for president.

To Gen: P. St. George Cocke
Sir
The Ladies of
Culpeper C.H. ^’& neighbourhood’ respectfully represent to
you, as the head of the troops at this
place that it is their wish, as far as
possible, to be instrumental in promoting
the comfort & ministering to the sick
in the hospitals now here & in any
that may ^’hereafter’ be established. It is the
office of women to watch by the
bedside of the sick & suffering
and it is our wish to be allowed
as all that we are able to do in
our ^’country’s’ great struggle for liberty, to
fulfil this part of our mission; &
it is for this purpose that we now
address you.

We propose 1st that
the care and ministering to the sick
soldiars, (under the advise and
direction of the physicians of the
hospitals) ^’be allowed us,’ in such ways, and to such
extent, as our offices may be most
efficient. 2nd we propose, with

[page 2]
a view to the better execution of this
purpose, to appoint our committees
who shall have the special charge
and responsibility of the hospitals,
established at this place. committee
no. 1 to have charge of Hospital no 1.
committee no. 2 to have charge of
Hospital no. 2, &c &c

3rd We propose, that one, or two, of
each committee shall hold in
trust & be responsible, for, the proper
use of such articles as may be
entrusted to them by the proper ^’officer’
for the use of the sick to be
prepared & used for their exclusive
benefit and as the surgeon in
charge shall direct.

4th We ^’propose, for’ as the priviledge of
enginging in this good ^’work’ with
no other reward than that highest
of all considerations, the luxury
of doing good to our patriotic

[page3]
though sick & suffering soldiers.

The full details of our plans for
usefulness are such, as ^’are’ usual in
all such circumstances. Our only
wish is to be useful & to be employed
in such offices, as the necessities of
the sick & suffering may require &
as may meet with your pprobation.

very respectfully yours

Mrs Jno S. Pendleton
Mrs Ed: Hill
Mrs Jno Cole
Mrs Jane Conway
Mrs Susan Matthews
Mrs Ellen Turner

Committee

MSS 640

From The March of the Seventh Reg’t

A SERMON
ON
THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD
DELIVERED IN

St. Joh’s Chapel, in the City of New York,

ON SUNDAY, JUNE 9TH, 1861
BY
S.H. WESTON, D.D.

[from the conclusion of the sermon]

Brethren, how this unnatural contest is to end,
Omniscience only knows; unless He interferes to
overrule the wrath of man, it threatens to be one
of the most disastrous in the annals of time. But
we have put our hand to the plough and cannot
look back. We hope the Government will adopt
no narrow or mercenary policy, and accept no dis-
honorable compromise. The people are ready to
do their part, and such a remarkable and unex-
ampled unanimity of sentiment in the North and
West, under the circumstances, seems like an au-
gury from God, and an earnest of success. We
can afford to expend one hundred–nay, one thou-
sand millions, if need be. A grateful posterity
will cheerfully pay the debt. A vigorous display
of our resources and courage now, may be econo-
mical in the end, and save us from long internal
dissensions and a future foreign war. Let us stop
at no proper sacrifice of money or men, or regard
any peril too imminent, or sacrifice too great, to
accomplish this glorious result.

We have for long years been enjoying the bene-
fits of our fathers’ toils and sufferings. Let us re-
solve to bequeath to posterity a similar legacy.
We believe God is on our side, and it is a great
consolatoin to know that our great captain (whom
may Heaven preserve) purposes, so far as possible,
to make it a humane war. But under any circum-
stances war is a fearful evil–civil war, doubly so.
Let us endeavor, therefore, to banish, as far as
possible, all private hate and personal animosity;
and while we aim to chastise our mistaken foes,
let it be like the correction by a loving parent of
an erring child–more in sorrow than in anger–
ever praying God to give them repentance and
better minds. AMEN.

Sullivan Hardy Weston, 1816-1887, a Columbia University graduate was the chaplain of the 7th Regiment of the New York Infantry.

Lt Col. Jordan
A. Asst Adjt Genl
Manassas
Colonel

I am greatly morti-
fied to have to report that the troop of Cavalry from
Page county commanded by Capt Jordan–and which
I reported by telegram of yesterday would march for
Manassas to day by 12 M for when called upon
refused to a man of the rank & file to be mustered
into service except upon condition that they shall
first be provided with additional arms–

The Capt tells me they have sixty sabres–

As soon as I received intimation, for the first time
this morning of this state of feeling amongst the
men I immediately caused them to be assembled
or as many as could be gotten together viz 40 out
of the 65 rank & file–appealed to them in the
most correct manner instantly to come forward
& be mustered into service for the defence of
their liberties- their country & their homes–

I represented to them that the sabre was the only proper
arm for cavalry–that with that & brave hearts they
could achieve all that was expected of cavalry–
that the State now had no other arms with which to
provide them–That there was cavalry already in
the field in presence of the enemy no better armed

[page 2]
than they–that a number of infantry companies
had gone forward, and without a murmer, infinitely
worse armed as infantry than they were as cavalry.
But all proved to be unavailing and the mustering
of the reports the results as stated above–Every
man of the 40 passed the inspection of the Surgeon–

I have dismissed the troops and permitted them to
return to their homes–

In justice to Capt Jordan I state that he was
greatly mortified at this result as I doubt not
was every Commissioned officer of the Troop–

I am
Vy resty
Philip S Geo Cocke
Col Va Vol Cmdg

The original of the above letter was sent of in
haste by the morning train for Manassas there being no
time to copy it–& I have rewritten by memory as
accurately as I could the substance of it, as above–

PSGC

12 M stands for 12 Meridian or noon

Lt. Col. Jorday was asst. adj. genl. to General P.G.T. Beauregard

MSS 640