1861 November 26 Camp near Centreville

Corps of Artillery Army of the Potomac

My dear Father [General John Hartwell Cocke]

Your very long & welcome letter by Dr Holeman was
duly delivered and has been much longer unanswered than I
wished,tho in truth I was uncertain had I written sooner, if my
letter would have found you at home–The accounts you give me
of the progress of affairs on the plantation is very satisfactory, and
the yield in the crop of corn is certainly very encouraging, & larger
than I had estimated particularly on the high land field which
certainly done better than I ever knew the same field to do before.
The breaking up of the corn land on the low grounds this early is
a great point gained, & I hope Irving will move forward
to do what he can on the highland field for next years
corn also before Xmas which usually limits the winter
ploughing in our section–I was relieved to hear that the
grinding of the wheat had been to long delayed tho as the
prices have been it has not been a loss as I suppose the
price will advance with the winter–I hope Irving will
be active in having all the Forage of Hay or oats or
shucks & straw that can be spared, baled up carefully in
strong bales & made ready for shipment but he ought to be cau
tioned not to ship so largely
of these things as to have to start
our own animals at home which I want him to look to, well
and keep in thriving condition especially the oxen which are
on many plantations so apt to be neglected–for they do
the hardest and heaviest work & always do it so readily & it is due
they should be well treated, well fed & properly sheltered from the
weather–I hope he will have all the shelters for the stock in the
farm yard thoroughly repaired so that the ox team , the colts

[page 2]
the cattle & sheep shall all be well secured from the weather
but to make the sheds for the ox team good first -& the floor
dry they have to stand & lie upon
–which was not the case last
winter as it should have been–

I am very glad my dear Father to think that you are en-
tertaining the idea of spending the winter in Virginia in view of
the present sad & disturbed state of the Country for we cannot
tell what may be brought about by it, or what may happen in the next
few months to cut off the lines of communication in some manner
& prevent or embarrass travelling in some part of the route you
have to take and whilst I know the severity of our winter will
be a great trial to our feelings–yet I think & trust, you will
be able at Bremo to get along tolerably well & by taking a
ride in the carriage every day about noon when the weather is
clear & fine you might get enough exercise & I know it will
be a great comfort to my dear Lucy to have you in our house
& to minister to your comfort by any attention & nursing which
it will be in her power to give in which gentle offices I think
she is specially gifted–
There is nothing new that I can name in regard to this
field of operations of our army–We hear now & then a vague
rumour of an intended advance on part of the enemy, but
then it ends–& he keeps outside & beyond Fairfax Court House
shivering in the Cold & hasn’t the heart to come up and get
warmed at our fires–If he could divide this army he would
try to get into Virginia by this route–but as long as the
army here is of its present strength he will not venture to try it
but will be compelled if he wants to over run Virginia to steal
into the Capital by some other road–this place is now made

[page 3]
strong by a series of some 12 or 14 earth works with
from 4 to 8 & 10 embrasures each a\& thesefor rifles guns & field
pieces belonging to this Corps of Artillery chiefly–& these [?] &
connected by a range of breast works for infantry making a
circuit of some 4 miles within which a larger part of our
army is now camped & including will[?] the limits the old village
of Centrevile which these works now will make a place of note–
I do not believe our generals now believe it is likely we will have
a fight at this place but they keep everything in readiness & surely
if nothing shall be done by the 10th of December, I think we may con-
clude it best to be looking out how we can best guard our men
for winter against the cold–for the experience of the last two weeks
admonishes all that winter is almost upon us & we then would
at once be providing for the comfort of the men against the frost & cold
of winter while is is impossible to do in the poor tents that have
been provided for them–Col Pendleton has in the last two days
been engaged in fixing on a plan & selecting a location for the erec-
tion of huts for winter quarters for his corps. & we shall probably
go out tomorrow & take some steps in the premises. It is very late
& ought to have been done a month ago–our location is further
off on the Warrenton road say 3 miles from Centreville on the road
& about 1 mile this side & E of the Stone Bridge over Bull run it is a pretty
high place but is immediately on the turnpike which is partly Mcademized
& has the advantage of being in a large body of woods, where fuel will be all around
us & we can get water I think convenient enough & in abundance. The plan is
to build small huts of logs say 15 x 16 feet in the clear for 12 men with a chimney
to each & cover with logs, leaves & one foot of earth–& have sheds made for
the battery horses–by the way the Qr Masters Department of the Army is but
poorly attended to & the horses have suffered in many batteries in consequence

[page 4]
of it–I have to send every day a wagon ten miles one turn for
hY & the next for corn to keep a supply of my horses–because
the Quarter Master never has enough on hand to give me more than
a piece of a load at one time of either–& this is the case with
20 or 30 other wagons every day–

Since the weather has become cold Col Pendleton has commenced
holding services in the Church in Centreville & has them in the morning
& afternoon & they were both well attended last Sunday tho the
weather was very cold & unfavorable, and it is certainly a most
encouraging & cheering circumstance that so many officers & men out of
our army should show this lively evidence of interest in duties & ob
servances of the Sabbath as promptly to fill the church after a
very limited notice being given.

In reference to you bill with H M Smith–I thought I informed
you as I think I did one day that Farrar told me he had called
& made arrangements that satisfied Smith, tho he has paid Smith no
money, but as I wanted to know what those arrangements were I called
to see Smith about it & his clerk (named Tower) said Farrar called
& said he would try & get the money for him as soon as he could but named
no particular time–& so in coming home I made Robt Hughes get
Farrar’s bond which is in the desk among the other bonds (I think) & I
think you had better take the bond & make Robt. Hughes carry it to
Farrar & tell him he must pay it or put it in the hands of John
Sclater, or if necessary a lawyer & make him collect the money–Farrar is able
to pay it he has had a considerable contract for work with the government & been
able to pay that money but I see he is not going to do it till it is taken out
of him–Give my affectionate love to Lucy Sally Dr Brent our dear
little Letty & all at home & believe me my dear father ever
your affectionate Son Cary C Cocke

[left hand margin of page 4]
I was brother Philip yesterday he was very well–& happy to add this leaves me in excellent health remember me to all the servants that have ask about me

Cary Charles Cocke of the Fluvanna Light Artillery
MSS 640

1861 November 26

[from the diary of Francis G. Hale of the 34th Ohio Zouaves]

We left Mud Bridge
last night at about nine
o clock and started for
Barboursville we arived
here about 2 oclock wet
mudy and tired for it
was very mudy and
snowed pretty near all
the way I had to help
gard fore prisners
that we had they told
us lots of things we
crost over [?] Hille
where General or Colonll
Legler had a fight
with the rebels they had
a cannon they sayed
that one fellow ut it
on his sholdier an fired
it at the rebles then
we past through the
narrows where the
rebles fired at the
Federal troopes we are
quartered in a house
got a big fire place
where we can cook
with out going out
doors in the weather
but I do not know
how long we will
stay here but hope if
we leave here we will
go to a better all the
time till we get to
cincinnatti then quarter
in the Burnet house
or the Black Bare to day
is a very pleasant one
we are on the [?] river

MSS 13405

1861 November 26 Camp Palmer Virginia

My Dear Nephew–
Your welcome letter
reached me safely today, and having
written to your mother already and feeling
very tired, I did not intend writing you
tonight, but then I know you would like
to hear from your dear uncle–so here
goes–Well my beautiful you brag
as much as ever don’t you? I guess
you forget how I used to put you on my
Knee, and make you mind me–I suppose
you are almost large enough to handle
me now, but you should respect old age
George, and not threaten me so–O my boy
I only wish I had you here with me–
Wouldn’t I make you step around–and
you would have to touch your hat to me
every time I passed you, and when you

[page 2]
wanted anything of me, you would have to
stand at the door of my tent, with your
hand to our cap, and wait till I spoke
to you before you could speak–Yes my boy
I’d make you know your master–I wish
you could be on here George to see our camp–
more than a thousand horses & men to ride
them and when they ride (the men I mean)
out to Drill it is really a very fine sight–
the horses are going as fast as they can.
You should see them charge sometimes–
The sabres rattle, the men cheer, and it is
Enough to scare anyone–Don’t you think
it much pleasanter to make such a charge
in fun, than when you have an Enemy in
front of you firing with guns & cannons at you?
But them there is no child’s play about these
charges in fun, for Every day some of the men
get hurt–I only hope my boy that you
may never be a soldier, but if you Ever become
one–and a good one, you would ride over a

[page 3]
house if you are ordered to–Why think George
when I take my men out to drill for
ten hours in the morning- if a man speaks
or even turns his head when he has not my
permission-I punish him for it–Do you
want to now how we punish men? Well
I’ll tell you–Sometimes we put them in
the guard house for two or three days with
nothing but bread & water to live on–and hard
work all the time–Sometimes I stand a
man on a barrell & make him stand 2 or 3
hours or all day or night, and sometimes
put a large sign on his back and tie
him fast to a post on the parade
ground, and lots of other punishments, that
I won’t tell you of, for you will think
you have a very cruel uncle–Now we
don’t punish men who try to do their duty
& can’t do it, but only those who are lazy
or who are wilfully negligent, and try and
make all the rouble they can–

[page 4]
I wish you could see my horses–one
is a mare. The other one is a horse–I
bought him today for $50–He is a
small bay–but I think a very good
animal–The mare will go through
a house or fire or charge a rail
road train if you wanted her to–
Now I must stop-for I have already
written you a long letter–If you
have any questions to ask, do so & I will
answer–Just wait til I come back
next year, little Tom & I have funds[?]
Well we must wait–Now George
be a good boy. don’t run away skating
this winter when your other don’t want
you to, for you will surely get drowned if
you do–Kiss little tom dear little fellow
for me & Remember me to all the
boys–now old Pal[?] good night–write soon
to your affectionate uncle.

Al

[nothing is known about the identity of Al]
MSS 15277

1861 Nov[ember] 26 Camp near Centreville

My precious darling
I am up this morning before day-
light & before Reville [sic], Simply because I was
too cold to sleep. I cant stand sleeping by
myself and I wont stand it! The fact is
I cant sleep. Jennie darling I am like you
this war has lasted long enough and I think
it high time something was being done
to close accounts. I cant help feeling
freted this morning. I did not want to get
out of bed but it had to be done or freeze
and then I could not help thinking
how nice & sweet & warm my Jennie is
at this moment & what a nice warm place
she has just by her side for me and then
I think of her last letter to me begging, intrea
ting and commanding me to come to her
Oh my dear precious wife you know
not how I long to see you. how I constantly
day & night am thinking of you and la-
menting the necessity which keeps me
from you. Often & often I imagine my-
self with [you] & actually carry on a long
conversation with you. You certainly
cant Realize H how deeply & truly I
love you as you would not blame me
for our Separations – Could I help it
I would not be away from you a day
and you certainly know it, for you cant
be ignorant of the depth & strength & might
of my love – to me every part of you is pre-
cious and you have never at any moment

[page 2]
from your pretty little feet to the top of your
head appeared in any other light than that
of a perfect beauty and you know it. And
when Ned says you dont look pretty he
is just simply a goose, and you may
tell him so for me. And you be patient
darling – I know the temper of my Genls and
know when to ask for a furlough and I
assure you that I am confident of being
with you in a week if my life is spared.
Yesterday all the troops in the army
were assigned to their Respective positions
in the line of battle if one is ever fought
here. this is of course necessary to be done
before any of us leave here for Winter Quar
ters in order to avoid confusion if sudonly [sic]
called back to meet the enimy. We as
usual compose the Reserve. A great many
of the troops are now engaged in constructing
huts for winter – we are not & hence we
expect to be moved to some other locality.
Tell Tim Papa says he must not be affraid [sic]
to go to war. he must take his gun and
go by himself & let Mama & papa stay
at home with Sister – I have no Rimidy [sic]
to offer for Meazles [sic] except that the bowells [sic]
must be kept open & the patient kept
warm & dry. I hope the children may
escape at least until spring-
write to me darling every day until
I say meet me at the depot and be a
dear good sweet girl as you are when
you dont threaten to shoot folks.
Most affectionatly ETHW

[transcription by John P. Mann, IV]

MSS 7786-g

1861 November 26 Orange Court House

Dear Father and Mother

I take my pen in hand
to drop you a few lines to let
you know that I am well at
present and hope when theas few
lines come to hand they may find
you injoying the same blessing–
I am sorry to here that you was
oneasy about me I am well and
as fat as ever I was taken the
white swelling but I have gott
well a gain I am well pleased getting
plenty to eat and I get my washing
done for nothin I am getting $28. 50 cts
per month for giveing medacine in
the hauspital I am glsd to here
that you received my picture–
Dear friends If you knowed
how well pleased I am I have
plenty of pretty girls to look
at every-day I have a warm
fier to sit by and expect to stay
all winter if you want to send
me any thing direct to Orange Co
house you can send me a pair
of stockings or any thing of the
kind

[page 2]
Dear brothers and sisters
I would like to see you
splend mother I received
letter on the 24th was expecting
good news but I received them
now now I must bring
theas few lines to a close–
so nothing more at present
dont be on easy about me
for i am sound and well
and well pleased
so
So fare well
James B. Painter

James B. Painter, Corporal, Co. K, 28th Virginia Infantry

MSS 10661

1861 Nov[ember] 26 Manassas Junction

My Dear Mother,

The box of under-clothing
& the vest, and the accompanying letters
were received & I would have written sooner
but waited in hopes of getting my Carpet-
sack so that I might send my clothes
down to be washed as I have not
had a white shirt on for over 5 weeks
But the carpet sack not coming as I anticipated
I concluded to defer writing no longer–I
loaned the sack to young friend who was
sent to the Hospital at Front Royal, where
Dr Ben Blackford is Medical Director & will
get it in two or three days, when my clothes
will be sent, that is the reason I have not
sent them before.

The shirts & drawers were very nice–
but I was afraid I cannot dispose of them–
I think I merely asked you to find out if
you could get any more. Mr Senker the
Gentleman who asked to enquire will be up
tomorrow–will probably take two pair each–
The others, I presume I will Keep–tho I have
now almost a superfluity of underclothing & Socks
thanks to your Kindness. In the carpet bag
when it does come you will find several

[page 2]
pairs of Linen or cotton drawers, about 1/2
dozen I think, for which I have not the
slightest use, you can probably turn them
to Some advantage. also some shirts not
with washing & two white vests which
also please Keep–and if you can mark
allmy clothing when I send them down
as there are several in the office and
our clothes get mixed up

Tell father I think his voice
must have reached even Old McClellan
as We are evidently on the eve of a great
battle, Thousands of exciting rumours are
flying about–The enemy are threatening
our Right flank at Leesburg as also our
left at Dumfries, also some demonstration
on our Centre, everything is hurry bustle
& confusion, preparing ambulances & medical
stores, cleaning our of hospitals, removing
baggage to the rear & every thing betokening
the near approach of a great battle,
The enemy is certainly advancing in large
force in several dirrections, but slowly
on account of the roads being very bad &
the consequent difficulty in moving artillery,
The battle cannot take place before Thursday
which is the day fixed by our commander
I believe. I think more likely Saturday or
Sunday, The Federal Congress, you know,

[page 3]
meets on Monday next, & McClellan is
almost bound to make some demonstration
previous to their meeting–The points of attack
are in great dispute–Some anticipating the
Main fight at Leesburg, some at Evansport
While a great many argue a general attack
from Evansport to Leesburg, The majority think
& it seems the opinion from Head Quarters, that
a feint will be made upon our entrenchments
at Centreville (our Centre) and the grand Coup
be Made at Evansport. One of the last two
will probably prove correct, but we are pre-
pared for them come from what quarter they
may. Our defences at Centreville are immense
& we could defy 150000 men. One ting
is Certain, if we whip this tight, we
will go into Maryland, or I believe the
troops will quit in disgust. The attack
at Evansport is renderd probably from the fact
that the blockade of the Potomac must
be raised, Washington can stand it no
longer. We get Northern papers nearly every
day & the accounts they give of the suffering
for want of provisions in Washington are
almost incredible—I was conversing to day
with a gentleman who only left
Washington on last Sunday night, this is
the ninth time he has been in since the
War commenced–He is one of their our

[page 4]
spies who was to Washington & Baltimore
regularly–Two of our best spies are members
of the Maryland Legislature–tho it is
hardly right to divulge this–The gentleman
referred to above, says he can see no hopes
whatever of a speedy end to the War, the
North are determined in the idea that
with their superior numbers they can
overwhelm us, he also says that Maryland
is a slumbering volcano, only waiting for
our presence to apply the torch, to light
the smouldering fires–

Tell Emma I recd her interesting
letter & am under obligations–I will not be
as long in answering it as she has been mine–
My best Respects to all enquiring friends–
& Kiss Little Eva a thousand times,
I cant say when I can come home, but
will let you know in time,
Your devoted Son
Chas. F. Barnes.

Charles F. Barnes, Co. G, 11th Regiment, Virginia Infantry

MSS 4444

1861 November 25 Camp Dawson

[Stationary with vignette of Jefferson Davis and Confederate flags]

Dear Farther
and Mother
thes will inform
you that I am well and hope
you to bee th4 same the yankees
Obened fire on us friday
morning at 9 o c We returned
the fire and Kept it up until
6 o c in the evening they obened
the show again Saturday about
the same time the firen was
Kept u til 3 o c Sunday morning
no damage Was done to the
1st Regt Seven georgiaans
Killed 18 Wounded I think
We give them to understand
that We Was too many in
A hill for them

[page 2]
The Boms fell
thick as hail
round our
Batery but done
no harm We Dismounted
too of ther guns and knocked
a hole in to the fo[r?]te I
fired the first gun from
this Batery it Was the third
from this side We are lying
at our guns to day When
the excitement is over I Will
Write you the particulars
give my love to all the
Children and all who may
enquire Write soon and
let me Know when you are
going to move your Son
truly Jno. M. Parker

[page 3]
No one hurt on our side

[address leaf/ page 4]
Corp Jno M. Parker
Comp. C 1st ala Reg

W R Parker
Troy
Ala

MSS 13240

1861 Nov[ember] 25 Centreville

Dear Jennie

I suppose you have decided
that I have given up my plans & taken a
place up here in the Army. But although the cir-
cumstancial[sic] evidence is pretty strong, such is
not the case, as I have just returned from a
visit undertaken with a view to procure a
pass, I think that with thro the kindness of
Mr Banks & Capt Daponté I have succeeded,
or will succeed in a few days. I have told
no one the nature of my business except Mr. Banks
to whom I told the whole affair before leaving
C-ville.

Major Barbour has not yet returned, but
is expected in a day or two. I think he will
come just as I get through my business & then
Willie & I will come down together

[page 2]
Capt. Daponté told me a few minutes ago,
that he thought you ought to make a battle
flag for Genl. Beauregard. The Genl. he says
took as much trouble as any one to make your
visit here agreeable and feels a little hurt that
Sister Hettie & Carrie should have made flags
for Genls. Johnston & Van Dorn, & that none of
you should have made one for him. I told
the Captain that i would write to you t his
evening & represent to you the state of the case,
and ask you to make one immediately if not
sooner & send it up. As I write Genl Johnston’s
waves magnificently across the street, in full
view from the window of the room in which
I sit, the occasion is a grand review of the
whole army. I saw Van Dorn’s review yesterday.
It was a grand affair.

Jim Clarke was up here yesterday, just over
from Baltimore, he brought us a letter from
Ma, which I enclose, it is pretty down

[page 3]
hearted I think. she writes for you all to
return. I doubt your ability to go home
but on this subject we well talk when we
get to Charlottesville. Love to Sister Hetty.
Good-bye, your attached brother
Jno. B. Cary

Counsellor has gone down to Richmond.

Miss Jennie M. Cary
care of Mrs. S. S. Carr
University of Virginia

MSS 1415

1861 November 25

[from the diary of Francis G. Hale, 34th Ohio Zouaves]

this morning is very
cold and the snow is
falling a little now and
then we expect it will
snow to day the ground
is frozen and it will
lay on now I am on
guard a gain to day
to day is my regular day
I am in Regimental guard
at head quarters it still
keeps cold and snowey we
are going to leave here
soone but I do not know
where we will go but
hope it will be to
some good place to
keepe warm and
dry for we have had
it bad enough now

MSS 13405