My Dear Father:
Yesterday evening our
wing of the battalion which had been
engaged on a tour of four days picket
duty was relieved, and returned to camp –
just in time to escape a heavy snow which
commenced to fall about dark, and continued
with slight interruptions until about 10
O clock this morning. It now overspreads
the ground with a depth of about four
inches, and gives to the wintry prospect,
& the desolate Country a most rueful,
and dreary appearance. In camp however
we have good fires & comfortable quar-
ters, and can look upon the chilly
scenes without, with self congratulation
in being able to sheltered against
the rigours of the season.
If you could get a glimpse of this
entire section of the Country just
now it would call impressively to mind
the devastation and waste of war.
Fields lay barren common without
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fences or cultivation; farm houses are
dismantled of all their ornaments and
comforts, and on every side is seen wreck,
and destruction. Wild fowls and animals
are increasing rapidly from being so
long unmolested, and partridges, pheasants,
& turkeys, and foxes, coons, and opossum
are growing numerous, and bold.
In a year – if the present state of things
were continued it would become one of
the greatest hunting grounds in Virginia.
While on picket your letter of
the 8th Inst. was received, I have as
yet heard nothing from the Secretary
of War in regard to the application
for authority to raise an artillery
Company, but as it was not appro-
ved by Genl. Beauregard I can scarcely
expect that it will be successfully.
As I have said before however Grey
Latham’s application for permission to
raise a battalion has been Endorsed,
& recommended by Genl. Johnston, and
should the Secretary likewise consider it
favorably as he probably will, then there
will be no difficulty in all likelihood
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in my procuring the detail to enroll
one of the companies. Capt. Latham told
me that he had written you on the subject,
and I expect to receive some communication
in regard to it to day.
The sooner this matter is arranged the
better it will be for me. The men are
exceedingly anxious to go home at once,
and should any opportunity of procuring
a furlough by joining any other Company
be offered many would avail themselves
of it. Capt. Houston of this regt. will
commence to organize a Company very soon
and many who would otherwise be induced
to join me, may enlist with him.
Others too will soon make similar at-
tempts, and he who can promise the
earliest furlough will be able to enroll
the best men in his company. I shall
await earnestly some reply from you,
or the government authorities on the
subject.
For a week, or ten days past consid-
erable interest has been exhibited through-
out the Camp in regard to Burnsides
Espibition [Expedition] which it was supposed
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would certainly strike at Evansport.
It is now however ascertained that
such is not its destination, and in
a few days it is said a regular system
of furloughs will be established by
which the volunteers can in turn visit
home without previously binding them –
selves to serve during the war.
When my time will come I do not
know, but after some few officers whose
claims precede mine have had theirs I
think it not improbable that I may be
able to procure one. I shall certainly
avail myself of any opportunity which
may offer to do so.
I received a letter from Sarah yesterday
and all at home were well, Carrie
being much improved.
My wounded limb about which both
Grandmama and yourself have frequently
expressed anxiety, I assure you occasions
no cause therefor. While it is
not quite so strong as formerly it gives
me no pain, and in no way interferes with
the performance of my duties. I am well.
With much love I remain
Your affect. Son
Jno. W. Daniel
John Warwick Daniel, 1842-1910, disabled in the Battle of the Wilderness, later a University of Virginia law graduate, U. S. Senator and famous orator, known as the “Lame Lion of Lynchburg.”
[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards with annotation by Robert K. Krick]
[Capt. David Gardner Houston, Jr. ]
