Rockbridge Artillery–1st Brigade
Army of the Valley

Mr. W. M. Blackford–Lynchburg
My Dearest Father

I dispatched
a long letter home addressed to mother
on Wednesday morning. In it I requested
several things, a pair of pants & a bed tick,
to be sent to me here. Presuming that
letter was received I wish to add one
or two articles to the commission it
contained. If the first letter was not
received you can let me know and not
send any of the articles until I can
repeat the specification it contained-

Please select from the clothes I left
in my travelling and hand trunk two
thick vests both of grenadine silk,
one with fine red spots in it, in good
preservation, the other of solid black
with squares, in a somewhat much worn con-
dition. Also two cravats of the number
left, those of the darkest & most substan-
tial description, and a pair of half worn
thin shoes, which I wish to use some-
what as slippers. the shoes may not be in
either of the trunks but somewhere about the room.

[page 2]
all of these things I beg you will
have packed in my sole-leather hand
trunk, with my name in it and send
therein by express to me. The remaining
space in the trunk might be supplied[?]
by ginger cakes or any such thing.
Address the trunk to me, not to Mr
Bartons care as before requested,
but to “L.M.B.–Rockbridge Artil-
lery-1st Brigade A.V.–care of Capt. Frank
P. Clark, Quarter Master’s Department
C.S.A., Winchester, Va.”
The key of the hand-trunk Mary
has; you had better send it
to me by mail as soon as necessary.
We shall be in or around Win-
chester all the winter, I reckon,
and this trunk I will leave at
Mr Barton’s as long as we are run
ning about at all, with such ar-
ticles in it as I cannot carry
with me. It will be a great addition
to my convenience. When we are settled
in hibernis of course we can keep more
baggage with us—

[page 3]
On Wednesday I gained permission to go to
town and so had the pleasure of spending
the day in Winchester. As you may im-
agine I first made my way to the homes
of your old friends. I breakfasted at Mr
Barton’s, but was so late in getting
in that I missed seeing the gentleman
of the house who had hurried off that
morning to court. Mrs B. and the whole
family, for I believe I saw all of them,
recd. me very cordially, and gave me
many kind invitations of just the kind
a soldier likes to get, viz carte blanche
to come in at any time and as often
as I would, to meals & otherwise. About
10 o’ck. I went to call at Jno. Williams’
where I missed Jno. W. also, but had
the pleasure of visiting the rest of
the household. I was invited back
to dinner, an invitation which I
was glad to accept though regretted
it conflict with a similar one which
I had partially accepted at Mr. Barton’s
a short time before.

[page 4]
I dined at Jno W’s after with a half
dozen other members of our Co. and was
especially pleased with my entertain
ment there. They were all just as
kind and hospitable and agreeable
as they could be. Jno W. inquired
after you with much interest,
as did they all, recurring pleasantly
to your last sojourn under their
roof. But time presses to get this
letter to the P.O. on time–More of my
Winchester friends in my next. I
returned to camp with the most
pleasant & favourable recollections of
the day–It is a terribly disagreeable
day in camp, thus: –cold, rainy & dark and
no fire in our tents. We expect to move
to morrow to a much pleasanter camp
nearer town, from which you will prob
ably receive my next letter. Please
hurry what I have written for as much
as possible. I need some of the things much
In Haste–Your affec. Son
L.M. Blackford

[cross hatched on the left side of page 4]
Please send me a pair of neat woolen gloves I have thick ones for common use
also another dollar note to make out the five & a statement of
what I have drawn from you in all. Please prepay express charge

MSS 5088

My dear Sir

I recd your letter of the 11th
a few days ago after my return
from Washington.

I now enclose you a letter of introduction
to Mr Peabody, as you desired.
I do not know any one else in
England with whom I am sufficiently
intimate to give an introduction,
but I hope you will find in

[page 2]
Mr. Peabody a friend who
can further your views in this
respect.

I have also sent you a
letter to Mr Peabody on business
which he has required me
to write, and which, if it
is not troubling you, I
would be glad if you
would deliver to him.

With my good wishes

[page 3]
for a prosperous voyage
and a pleasant trip
I am my dear Sir
very truly
yours
John P. Kennedy

Geo. W. Childs Esq.

John Pendleton Kennedy, 1795-1870, novelist (Swallow Barn and Horse-Shoe Robinson) and Whig politician, was Secretary of the Navy under Millard Fillmore. Baltimore born, he remained loyal to the Union but advocated amnesty for the South at the close of the war.

George William Childs, 1829-1894, also from Baltimore, was a noted publisher and philanthropist.
MSS 6954-g

[to be continued]

Dearest Willie [Wilson Miles Cary]

If you and Johnnie fail
to come on Sunday I will never
forgive you, Major Barbour and
Mr Banks–the vials of my wrath
shall be poured out upon the
whole party, and I won’t be
answerable for the consequences–
I am almost certain Nannie
will be at Orange to meet you,
though fear she will not accompany
you to the U. V.

This day of fasting and prayer
will also be one of Thanksgiving
to me for the dreadful weather
that must have prevented the
anticipated battle.

[page 2]
I have just learned that Gilham’s
Regt is positively ordered to
Manassas, and rejoice accordingly.
Think from the shouting at the
bookstore as the cars passed last
night that they must have been
on board.
The chief object of my letter is
to ask you to remind the oblivious
Banks that Nannie Bradford will
to be join us in Richmond, so
our party will consist of four–
He said he was going down on
Sunday & would conclude the
arrangement. I sincerely trust
you will winter there also.
Why dont you accept the position
of Quartermaster? Some one who
had held a similar office told
me the other day that it was
nothing like so difficult or laborious

[page 3]
as the one you now hold. It would
be so pleasant for us all, besides
securing to you a salary (so B. told me)
of $130 a month–And no one knows
what may be the result of this
dreadful war, nor what will be
our necessities, so we ought to provide
for the future as far as possible–
Although of course it is sweet to
depend upon you, yet I cannot
bear the thought of appropriating
all your hard earned money,
especially since the prospect of
the “rich old hunks” is very slender,
so hope our employment will be remunerative.
Tell Johnnie again to be very
cautious in confiding his plans.
we know how everybody talks
in this part of the world–however,
there are few more prudent than he
I received on the day he left, a
letter from Genl Johnston–

[page 4]
It is the sweetest and kindest
thing you ever saw. Begins “My
dear Miss Cary,” abd signs himself
“respectfully & truly your friend.”
So beautifully written too—
You can tell the Maryland boys
that he says – While he appreciates
the sacrifice made by all of our
countrymen in repelling an unholy
invasion, his sympathies are
particularly excited for those
who add to the noble name of
patriots the sacred one of exiles.
!! Isn’t that intense?
He says too–“It would be idle
for me to attempt to express to you
the conflicting emotions which yr
flag will never cease to call
up in my breast–but as all
those most dear to me have
ever found a home on Maryland
soil & in Maryland hearts, I
know that I speak the voice
of a whole people when I say
our homes shall be the exiles
until their own are repaired.”
Tell my grandson about it–
Everyone here thinks it a most
complimentary & beautiful notice

[cross hatched on page 4]
Of course there is something about Maryland
women conquering homes in Southern hearts.
Ran has just told me it is time for my
letter to go–so good bye as usual in
great haste your devoted
H[etty] C[ary]

MSS 1174

[This letter begins on the 15th. Pages 5 and 6 were added on the 16th.]

My darling Jennie

Having nothing just now to engage my
attention for better employment I commence
a letter to you. The day is cold & damp with
every now and then a little rain, making it
any thing but agreeable to be out and I
am therefore not only satisfied but glad
to be able to remain in my tent.

I heard this morning the most horable[sic]news
from H.B b. which I hope for the sake of decency
may turn out to be untrue. It is stated that
no less than four young girls in the town
are pregnant. Of one I expected it & am not
at all surprised, but of the others I cant think
without a shudder. They are Mary Smith the
Post masters oldest daughter, Woodwards oldest
daughter- Mary Rogers, who does not surprise me
and Mary Shands. Of this latter I hope there
are grounds for unbelief–The report does
not seem to be so well founded. And from
all accounts if there are not others it is not
because they have not had the chance. Have
we here some of the home[?] fruits of this
war. I was in hope that the democratization
which always follows a war would be con-
fined to the men male population, that the
inate[sic] purity of our girls would at least
protect them from all harm, but it seems not.
For not only in H.B. but in other places
have this vice has exhibited itself–I have
heard of girls of Culpeper & Richmond permitting
young invalid soldiers to take the most indecent

[page 2]
liberties with their persons, such indeed as must
instantly end in lewdness. In almost every
little village in the Valley I hear that girls,
especially the daughters of mekhan mechanics
have been led estray[sic] by invalid soldiers
and must soon bear the fruit of their easy
manners–and what is worse still the wives
of some of our soldiers have not behaved as
they should, but their lot is confined to
the lower class on the one side, while on
the other a villian at home too cowardly
to fight has been the guilty party. I
ought not to write to you of such things
but really it has so disturbed me that
I cant help it. And what frets me the more
is the fact that the disgrace has been brought
on us as a people by the utter folly of
our own citizens. No sooner had the southern
soldiers entered Virginia then all the men
women & children of the state voted every man
of them a gentlemen, so true was this
that to wear a guilt buton[sic] was a pass-
port to every gentlemans house and to
every cu foolish young girls heart–no in-
troduction was required or asked for, and
so anxious were the ladies, that by hun-
dreds they flocked to every Depot along
the lines of our R Roads with boquets
smiles & saucy compliments to the rog[ue?]
soldiers–Of course the vicious amongst
them, of which there was a majority,
were not slow to appreciate such atten-
tions nor to make excuses to get out
of the Army into the vacinity of a section

[page 3]
whose beauty was so lavish of her smiles and
so free & ready to invite vulgar approaches.
And now again our foolish people were
ready to give the vicious soldier the
very chance he wished for–At every town the
entire community was clamorous for
the establishment of a military Hospital–The
ladies sent in petitions & the men complained
of the Government & so the thing was done
Now all this was well enough-but no
sooner did the sick & pretended sick begin
to arrive, then did our ladies begin to
tender them services as nurses–And now
look into one of your R Road Hospitals and
what a disquieting sight greets you–Do you
see old matrons–yes now & then but
the large majority are young girls some
not much over 15 summers & quietly look-
ing up at the disgusting scenes enacted by
a set of sick rabal[sic] soldiers–Here one
on the stool & there another–Here one
with his person exposed while his wound
is being dressed–perhaps by a young lady
Here one & there another under the
influence of a fevered brain utters the
most disgusting oaths & obscene language
to greet the ears of ladies who have
never heard anything not accustomed
to be heard in polite society And all
this is transpiring in the presence
of young & reckless Doctors & well young
men & old men who are present from
motives of curiosity or to see a sick
friend. Nor is this all–the village

[page 4]
accomodations small at best are insufficient for the
crowd thus brought together and every house
is thrown open to everybody–Girls young
men & old men & all dames[?] are crowded togeth
er in the same house where it is impossible
for the girls not to be occasionally exposed in
undress and I have heard of at least one
instance where a parcel of young girls
& men have occupied the same home with
not a married person present & they had
to pass through each others rooms, at least
they did–and now remember that all
this promiscuous mingling together of the
sexes-of good & bad occurs under a very
highly excited state of public mind, Pa
Parents are intent on the condition of
the country–Fathers absent from home
in the army or in the way of it. Girls
have left their home & its restraints
under the fool romantic idea that
they must put a clean shirt on some
young vagabond soldier–Moonlight walks
occur–crazy ideas of romantic adven-
ture with a soldier boy–then gentle
whisperings of pretended love–then a
gentle yielding to a gross familiarity
which is bad enough – but who can be
surprised if worse comes–Such are
the scenes which have been enacted in
Virginia–Eastern as well as the valley–this
summer–with the poor foolish girls of the
valley the results are beginning to be ap-
parent–The entire sex & the entire community
is about to be utterly demoralized with oc-

[page 5]
cassional instances of utter degradation such
as I have mentioned–It was the proud boast of
Eastern Virginia at any rate that her society
was of the purest & most refined order. For
my part I looked upon them all as like my
own wife who had never ever an im-
pure thought–But this war will entail
upon us a condition of demoralization
from which we will not recover for
years & probably never–Dont understand
me as believing for a moment that such
instances as I have mentioned will be
general–I think they will be now
but the bad influence which will be
& has been exerted will be almost uni-
versal–I am glad to know that none
of our friends or relatives have made
fools of themselves running after the
sick soldiers and I hope never to
hear of it. For the truth is a very large
number of the Southern soldiers are
nothing but an idle lot of vagabonds
at home and are vastly worse here–
Dont breath a word to any one of
the reports about the H B girls for
I somehow hope it may yet turn
out to be false and I dont want to
be a party to the circulation of so
vicious a slander–
We are having a heavy blow of wind
to day Saturday which I hope is doing
Lincolns fleet some harm-for it is
certainly in con venient to us–I received
your letter yesterday full of sweet professions

[page 6]
of love for your old man and begging for him
to come & see Jennie who wants to have some
long talks with him all to herself–I do
honestly believe my darling Pet has serious
designs on my peace of mind–Such profes-
sions do make me so lonesome & remind
me so forceably that my place is not here
in the Tent but by Jennies side–with love
for a break[?] 7 kisses for desert. I am
very tired of this lonely sort of life and
this thing of going shivering to bed
and shivering all night by myself, when
I have a dear pretty wife who could
keep me so nice & warm and who
begs so sweetly for my return–well
darling where there is a will there
is a way and as we both have the
will I am certain it cant be long
before we will find out the way to
spend a couple of weeks together–I
cant apply for leave of absence just
now but dont think it will be
very long before I do–This much I
must promise bot for you & myself. If I
am alive by the 1st of next month I
must see you I will not submit longer
than that–I will then have been in the
service 7 1/2 months without being out of
it one single day and I shall claim
it as a matter of right–What may transpire
before that time I dont know but you
may count on a visit by that time
if not before–
Most affectionately & devotedly E T H W

[in left margin of page 6]
Cant you put a pocket on each breast of my shirts?

MSS 7786-g

Dear Father As I Have A spare opportunity to write I thought I would write you A few lines & as I have not received that paper that you said you sent to me that had that Letter in it But there was A Boy in the Company that got it & he let me read it it is true that the Whiskey has Maide more drunkards, & Men that never thought of drinking at Home, But I will give you my word that I will not touch it I hate the name of Whiskey yesterday we moved our Camp about four miles from the old one it is near Bailys cross roads where whe moved from there is six Regiments that kept pouring in all day yesterday, there I think before long you will hear of the greatest Fight that the World ever heard of & I think it will be near Fairfax Court House there is Four Divisions that have advanced already I wish you could see the Grounds they have covered with Tents as far as the eye can see & the Artilery & Cavalry, There is Five Forts Buildt around ours & there is some Handsome Buildings on them, Fort Taylor that the Fourth Maine Has been Building is quite A Large one it has about twelve sixty four pounders with about the same number of thirty two pounders they have got the largest guns on than any Fort around here excepting the ones at Arlington the Church that Genl Washington built was destroyed by the Rebels, When you write again I want you to write & tell me whether John receivd that I wrote to him there is Letters that I have wrote I know that you have not receivd because you havent Mention it in your letters I received A Paper to day dated the tenth give my Love to all of the Folks From your Son Joseph Leavitt

Letters from Joseph Leavitt of the 5th Maine and his brother George of the 5th New York as copied into a ledger by their father John Leavitt in October 1865 “because they are of value to me and I was fearful that they might get mislaid.” Both boys were mortally wounded in the war, George at Second Bull Run, August 30, 1862, and Joseph at Spotsylvania, May 18, 1864. Presumably a third brother William survived the war.

MSS 66

My darling

It is commencing to rain this evening and
I must confess while really it subjects me to
very little inconvenience still it affects my
spirits and makes me feel more like being
with Jennie & our children–It presents an ar-
guement like this It is raining and I can
do nothing but stay under cover & keep dry
which would not only be a comfort but a real
pleasure if I could only select my company
& my quarters–but both of these being denied
to the soldier I must be content to take it
just as it comes–It is not yet four weeks
since I saw you and yet it seems longer
then that–How is it that you have managed
to so completely engage my whole heart–It
is now six years since we were married &
I love you not only as much but more than
I did the night when standing by my side
a young trembling but confiding girl, you
declared before the world that though every-
thing opposed you would love me through
life-Our courtship was not long and
was as pleasant & happy as a honeymoon
during the whole time we did not have
one single misunderstanding not a doubt of
each other–No one to oppose but all was
as bright & happy as a beautiful May mor-
ning–our path was strewn with flowers
Thus falsifying the old adage that
the course of true love never did run
smooth. Now I suppose it is nothing

[page 2]
but right that we should now have our trou-
bles, which indeed are only troubles because we
have been so constantly together since our mar-
riage–I must confess that after nearly six
years of almost uninterrupted domestic life in
which the last thing at night was a kiss from
the sweetest girl on earth and the first thing
in the morning a repetition of the same hapy
luxury. I do now most measureably miss it
especially when that same dear good girl
is pining for the same thing–and to tell
the honest truth I dont feel one bit improved
by the gentle reminder in each of your
letters when you say oh for one “good night
kiss”–and then the horror of the thing
is that I find can see no end to it. The
future instead of growing brighter grows dark-
er, at least I cant see a single ray of light
now. My impression is that we are to en-
dure a hard winter & then go through
another harder campaign ef even than
the one just closing–well I suppose
you will not be very much oblidged to
me for this gloomy letter–My apology
is that I always write just as I am
in the humour and being this evening
in rather a gloomy frame of mind
my letter must take the same turn
and you must therefore excuse it.
I got no letter from you to day but
certainly expect one tomorrow. Let me
hear a good account of you–write
me a long happy letter

Love to Florence & the girls
affectionately
E T H Warren

[crosshatched on page 1]

Dont look for a
letter the day after
you get this

MSS 7786-g

My own dear Mother

As you requested me to write to you before our
leaving Richmond & as we are confined this evening on
account of bad weather I think it a suitable time
for writing, & indeed the only time that I shall have
if tomorrow is a pleasant day. It might be inter-
esting if I should first tell you of our trip down.
We had quite a pleasant ride to the depot the only
and but for a little accident that happened, it
would have been more so. As we were going up that
long hill Father got out to walk, instead of giving
me the reins he kept them himself & in trying
to keep up with the buggy over a very rutty
road his foot slipped on a large rock
and down he cam float on his back, the wheel came
very near running over his hat; he got up di-
rectly, gave me the reins and walked on the behind
until we got up the hill. Very fortunately he
escaped unhurt! Rita came out at Woodville
and as she had a bundle of apples with her

[page 2]
we had quite a nice snack. Both of us unfortuna
tely suffered with headaches all the way. Saw
no acquaintances. Mrs. Jourdane, mother of that
little boy that roomed with [Leffer?] in Ashland was on the
train, brought her daughter on here to school.
We had plenty of room on the cars, until we got
to Gordonsville & then we were crowded, mostly
with soldiers, good many sick ones, poor things
it made me feel so sorry to look at them.
After we got here, were on our way to Mrs W’s
when a boy ran up with a note from her, saying
that her house had been full ever since Mr. W.
left & was very sorry she could not entertain
us. Father told their man to drive us to Mr.
Grey’s where we are now staying. father is
at Mr. Ayers’. We are very pleasantly fixed.
Helen Grey & Lucy Royal are both here. Rita
has gotten acquainted already. There are three
soldiers here, one of them from Georgia is very
ill, not expected to live, he is about 23, single
has had measles, phneumonia & now the doctor
thinks he as the consumption, his family knows
nothing of his sickness yet. We just missed

[page 3]
seeing Bishop Andrew, left here yesterday mor
ning to visit his son at York Town. Well I am
just out of the parlor and although it is going on to
twelve o’clock I will write a little more; cousin Ben
has just left here. Last night notwithstanding we had
traveled a good part of the day one of Helen’s beaux
came and kept us up until 12 o’clock. We have
had quite an ugly day so much that we
could not walk about at all, we did go to cousin
Betsy’s this morning and saw aunt Mat off, indeed
I say this morning, I mean just before dinner. Of
course I have not been able to do any shoping.
Indeed they say that it is exceedingly hard
to get any thing that you want, shoes are
$5.00 a pair at lowest price. Mrs. Grey says
you can’t get any pins in town, so I will
put off my shoping until we go to Norfolk.
Have not seen any body yet, cousin Ben told
me to night that Ella Richardson had been
to cousin B’s to see me, as she did not find me
there she is coming here in the morning. I
saw the President; house this evening and have
the pleasure of staying at the house with General

[page 4]
Beauregard’s photograph, which is said to be ex-
cellent. The president has a son 3 days old,
he also has a little son named Jeff and a girl
(Maggie). Jenny did not come to day, we left
the box & letter at the Junction. As Rita is
in bed I will put off until tomorrow to close.

(November 15)
Another gloomy morning has dawned upon us
and as this is the day we are to have, we won’t
see much. Five regiments left here yesterday
for Manassas. Mrs. Grey uses as a substitute
for coffee something which I don’t drink. they
use such up & in a way I think it is
just as good substitute; it is Roasted[?] wheat;
she uses it when there is not any coffee.
Yesterday there was a large herd of fine large
hogs that passed by us and just now
a herd of cattle. Well as it is nearly church
time I will close, if I have time after preaching
I will tell the latest news. All of the
family here is well as are we.
Love to all inquiring of us, accept a
large portion for your self, brother & sister.
Olive
Love to crip, take good care of him.
Just from church heard Mr. Durchen preach

[across top of page 1]
saw Mr. Arness Jonny is in town.
I have not seen him yet.
It is now after
one o’clock, we
will leave for
Petersburg at
3. Your aff.
daughter
Olie Jonny is
down stairs
now is going
over to Peters
burg with us.
All our folks
are well at
Aquia–are
expecting to
march for manassas at
any time.
Olie

MSS 14516

Capten C. C. Cocke

your letter of the 3th came to hand,
requesting me to Write yow if
I dont improve for any better
I thairfor bin waiting to bring this
news my self, but I find so little
Prospect for it. I dont think it is worth
while to waid any longer, sence I Wrote
to yow last I bin can find allmost
the Hol time with the same Diseses
and have not improvd any. my
Rhemetisum getting so Paynfull all
over me, I scarly have any rest.
I am swelt up constantly with
the Despepsy, & suffer with the
Newralitue in my Face & Head very
offin, the Docter dont give me any
thing to Take now, he says he cant
do me any good, he recomment
me to get a descharge to go home, and
if it will with yowr approbation yow
would Oblige me very much befor
it is t leat–I dont think I ever
get well her, if, at home, but if I Should

[page 2]
get well thain it will for some
time in think. excuse me for
my bad writint &c as my
Payns is on me I am not
able to write any more at
Present I hop to her from
you
I Remain yours

Respectfully
A Openhimer

[the following letter is attached to Openhimer’s]

General Hospital
Culpeper C. H. Va
Nov. 14th 1861

Capt. C. C. Cocke, Fluvanna Art. Va. Vols

Sir,
I herewith enclose a certificate in duplicate
of disability in case of A Oppenhimar a private
in your company.

The following is an extract from a communication
from the Surgeon General to me, dated Oct. 16th 1861 viz.
“As we are informed from the Adjt Genl’s office, that
Culpeper C. House is within the lines of Gen Johnston’s
command, all discharges should be granted by him.
When a soldier is recommended by the Surgeon of a
Hospital for discharge, his descriptive list & account
of pay & clothing should be immediately procured
from his company officer in order that he may be
furnished with his final statement from the Hospital
on obtaining the discharge & thus enabled to get promptly
his pay of which he is always in need”

Will you be pleased to fill up the descriptive list on
the certificate & get Gen Johnston to grant the discharge
& then return it to this office as promptly as possible
together with an account of his pay & clothing

I am very Respectfully
yr obt svt
D. S. Lew[?]
Surgeon in Charge

MSS 640

[from the diary of Eugene M. Cox of the Albemarle Border Guards

9 P.M. Still continue to build but we do not expect to stay here to live in our huts–

MSS 38-221

[from the diary of James Dinsmore Templeton of the 23rd Ohio]

were ordered forward at 1 oclock this
morning, Marched 12 miles to Faye
tteville where we arrived about
9 oclock. passed through the Rebel Camp
Floyd retreating Benham in pursuit &
rained[?] very bad traveling
We have very pleasant quarters
in an old House.

MSS 10317