Army of the Peninsula
Dear Rachel as we have a very rainey day I will write you a few
lines altho I have no news of importance to communicate– This leaves
me quite well also hoping it may reach you the same. I wrote to
you in christmus but havent received any answer yet
perhaps it was miscaried for I wrote to Sister on the same
day and I received a letter to day stating that she had not
received it–Oh I reckon we are seing the dulest time that
poor mortals ever did we se or her nothing except sometimes
Gen Magruder treats us to a false report that the
yankeys is comeing and has us up all nite waiting for
them but invariariable have to return in the moring to
our camp some times wet and nerly forzen with out
geting a peep at them–we were aroused from our peaseful
slumber last nite by the long role and informed that
the enamy intended landing ner fort Randolph one mile
belowe whar we are stationed also that we must harness
our horses and proceed immediately to that place–
which we did with out delay–in a short time we were on the
ground redy to receive them but we waitid in vain just
as we expected when day broke nothing could be seen
of the yankeys so we had to return to camp very much
disappointed but we have one consolatsion we got in
in time to miss a good weting—-
and as I havae no news and thare is not hopes of geting
a furlow I will have to close this uninteresting letter

[page 2]
pleas give my respects to the family and all inquiring friends
–I hope you are by t his time a advocate of our glorious cause
and will persuade all the young men you can to join
the army I wish you could see how I have changed
I can stand as much exposure and harde work
as any in the company and never flinch the Army
certainly is a fine place for lazy yung men so if
you ar acquainted with any such I hope you will youse
your influence to get them to join. we are all very
lo spirited at this time, we came her expecting to have a
chance to help whip the yankeys but I dont see any
more probibility of a fite now then when we just
landed on the Peninsula————
Please write as soon as you receive this and
give me all the news we all have given up all hope
of geting home before net sumer, so I intend making
myself as easy as possible–excuse bad writing and
mistakes write soon yours devotedly
John J Perry
member of the A.E.A.
1st R Va Artilery

To Miss R. T. B.

[Rachel T. Bramham]

John J. Perry, Private, Co. H, 1st Virginia Artillery

A.E.A. would be the popular name: Albemarle Everett Artillery

MSS 3437

[from the diary of James Dinsmore Templeton, musician and private on furlough from the 23rd Ohio]

Left Colum on the
350 train arrived at
New London [8?] Oclock AM
was shaved saw Bates
walked to Savannah
Saw Hunly also Olin
came on Home in the
hack[?] but found
that I am preceeded
by Crawford
cloudy snow dissappearaing

MSS 10317

My Dear Father:
I write from the head-
quarters of Genl. Beauregard’s adjutant where
I am for the purpose of ascertaining
the fate of the application which I
made about a week since for the purpose
authority to raise a company of Light
Artillery. Jno. Otey who is one of the
assistants has just examined the record
book, and I will give you the remarks
made on it as extracted. “Approved,
with the remark that Lieut. Daniel is a
young officer of promise” S. Garland Jr. Col.”
“Approved & forwarded R. F. Ewell. Brig. Genl.”
“Approved & forwarded James Longstreet Maj. Genl.”
“Disapproved fr because of the great quan-
tity of Artillery already in service & forwarded – G. T
Beauregard, Genl.” This decision I suppose
it will be difficult to overcome, although.
the proper influence at the War depart-
ment might still secure a favorable res-
ponse. My best chance however now
is I think with Grey Lathan. Genl. John-
ston as I have before said approved
& forwarded his application for a commission to

[age 2]
raise a battalion, and my friends assure
me that should it receive the assent
of the Secretary, I can easily procure
the detail to enrol[l] one of the Compan-
ies. Grey Lathan promised to give me
his assistance.
Our wing of the battalion as I
told you in my last goes on picket
tomorrow, and will remain the usual
period of three days. During that
time I shall have no opportunity
of writing you so you need feel no
uneasiness at my silence. I do not
think that there will be any danger
of an engagement while we are on post,
as the roads are extremely muddy,
and it will be impossible for the enemy
to advance.
I have not yet been able to
secure a copy of Mr. Ellet’s pamphlet
on Genl. McClellan’s course in the war.
Col. Garland however has promised to lend
me one which he expects to receive
in a few days.
Everything is quiet on our lines.
With the hope of hearing from you
in a few days, I remain
Your affectionate Son
John W. Daniel

[transcribed by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards with annotations by Robert K. Krick]

[John Marshall Warwick Otey, 1839-1882. Robert K. Krick]

MSS 158

Dear John [Steptoe?]

Your letter from Camp Alleghany has just
been received, and I am truly unhappy to hear
that you are there in a condition I had hoped
at all times you would escape, That particular
place of all others, has been a subject of dread,
for I could well exercise my belief, what a soldier
would necessarily have to encounter who remained
there for winter quarters, A world of feeling is in my
heart, more than I could express in the thought
of your discomforts, for I could not imagine
a greater calamity than that of your present one
I received your letter of the 7[?]and concluded you
had of course moved your quarters to Winchester
as you expressed a belief that you would be ordered
there, but I suppose the Yankees have determined
to make demonstrations on the Alleghanies instead
of Winchester, is why you have been ordered back
a letter in this evenings Republican seems to
anticipate a nother battle there very soon, and
reports the Yankees 8,000 strong at Camp Bartow
I hope if the attack is made our forces will
be fully prepared for it, and may they Yankees come
off with greater difficulties than before:
The idea of defeating a southern army

[page 2]
but Yankee enterprise is flattered with the hope
of upsetting your inclinations some of these cold
freezing mornings, I expect, I cannot believe
they are such heroes; I do hop you will
not remain very long in such an uncomfortable
position, while it may be in accordance with authorities
to remain in storm and violence; causing life sacrifice
&c yet I suppose submission is all that is left in a
case like yours, really it is right hard to endure
I am glad you continue in good health and hope
you may in future escape all dangers and lone
hours of weariness, my heart has ever[?] throbed
sadly since the first day you determined to take
a part in the struggle, but I have a hopeful
spirit you will return again, which will be joy
forever I am determined to look for you this
winter, it is my beseeching prayer to see you
but you might be crushed as the Capt was
so I would advise you to counsel for a meek
resignation, that would be a truer[?] plan and
your task finished Dont you think I am very
vain to give you such advice, but you must
excuse me, as I generally betray my hearts
best feelings; It is extremely cold today, my
ink is almost freezing, although a glowing
fire at my side, it is a suffering time with
the poor soldiers as well as the poor

[page 3]
Bob is very seldom at home still engaged
on the R Road. Nina and I have a very
quiet time as it has been too cold to visit
for some time, I must tell you how industrious
I am, I get up at six every morning and take
a long walk before breakfast, it has improved
my health very much, more than any thing
I have ever tried, for dispepsia, How did
you spend your Christmas? I hope very
pleasantly–and you did not receive the
box sent you, it would give me such pleasure
to prepare a nice box for you, and I was
so in hopes of sending you one at Christmas
but, I supposed it would be impossible to
send it with any surety of your getting it
Our neighborhood is very dull as is the case
every where, I suppose you heard of Ned
Langhornes death; I suppose it must be
a great trial to poor Nannie she was very
devoted to him, Nannie [&] Jack Langhorne was
married just before his death it was a
very private affair in consequence of Neds sickness
There are still some of the sick soldiers n
the neighbourhood Nick Harris is ill at home
though improving in health, Hale Dillon
is still complaining with his eye and
several others too indisposed as yet to leave home

[page 4]
I thought your last letter would never come
the time really seemed endless, I concluded
you were with Jackson and as soon as
you got through burning canals, bridges &c
you would write; I hope you will let me hear
from you as often as possible even if your
letters are written on a plate–I shall
appreciate them much more if only to let
me know you are well; I have written
hurridly hoping to finish this but I find I
will have to close in order to get this in the
evenings mail I hope to hear from you and see
you very soon; Nina sends much love
to you in haste Love and good by

[name illegible]

MSS 6515

[from the diary of James Dinsmore Templeton, currently on furlough from the 23rd Ohio]

Arrived at Cinn
about 10 Oclock AM went
to the Gibeon House and
left baggage
Went down to Monickels[?]
and had dinner saw
Tommy. Went on the
4 Oclock train to Colom[bus?]
went to the Buckey
House did not remain
long. Stayed in the
Depot Cloudy

MSS 10317

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

News Came in that
Co H. was fired at
by three men but
they did not hit any
one of them
There is about
16 prisoners in the
guard house now
they ar wating for
Trial they are rank
secesh they play yankee
trick on them there
was two fellow went
in there as prisners
and found out a good
ele from the secesh
before they was found
out they found out where
the boys that was murdered
is bueried at

MSS 13405

[from the diary of Jesse Calvin Spaulding of Co. F, 25th Massachusetts]

Staid around today as usual
We were to have started at
half past one gut did not get away
Gen. Burnside came aboard this afternoon
dressed in an old slouched hat and
checked shirt, and staid a few minutes
and spoke with Gen. Foster and then
went off again. We expect to start about
two to morrow morning.

MSS 11293

[from the diary of William Matthews Blackford of Lynchburg, Va.]

anniversary of the battle of New Orleans–It used
to be celebrated consulePlanto that is in the
days of Jacksonism, with a fastidious[?] patriotism. Of
late years it has not been observed at all–This mor-
-ning the coldest of the season–Monday at 24 at 8 oclock
it became milder, clouding over, & at night began to
drizzle I hope it may turn to snow before
morning. I want to see cold weather enough to
ensure the most abundent ice harvest–We
must supply the South and it may be as prof-
itable a trade as the Yankees found it. Rumors
of skirmishes near Romney, and in Morgan county
and of the advance of a strong column of Jacksons
army towards Bath Springs–I feel much interested
as Lanty must be engaged–Fleming Saunders
left us this morning. Last night, though I
had told the carriage Driver from Hat creek to
[?] the depot, we could not see the carriage &
had difficulty in getting Fleming to the house on
Charles wagon with the baggage–Whilst waiting
I saw a carriage on the road, and inquiring of
a negro man who was near it, whose it was
he answered that a gentleman had asked him
for to hold the horses while he stept into the
tavern–I asked him if the gentleman was dri
ving himself & was answered yes–Now by
“gentleman” the fellow designated Peter Saunders
carriage driver, who had been waiting there
for us until he was tired & had gone to look for
us. so much for the wrong use of words. Neither
Fleming nor his servant recognized the carriage
or horses–they looking only for the Hat creek car-
riage–It was an amusing though provoking
situation At 5 went to the depot and
had the pleasure of seeing Charles and his family.
They came to our house for supper and staid until
eight. C looks very well–He is getting bald
and altogether seems older than a man of 28 should
He has great sensibility and high strung nerves and
cares & responsibility tell upon him Mary & Julia
go under escort of young Henderson to a concert
& supper at [?] it is gotten up for the relief
of 31st[?] Va Regt exiles from Wheeling I heard of the
death of the widow of the late Jos. C. Cabell, Miss
Carter of Corotoman that was–She leaves an immense
fortune-in ordinary times with little short of half
a million. She will not leave much of it to his rela
tives with whom she is not on good terms She
was a peculiar woman & had not many friends.

[Lanty would be one of his sons Lancelot Minor Blackford]

MSS 4763

My Dear Father:
Your letter of the 5th Inst.
came to hand to day, and I hasten to
reply. My application for authority
to raise a company of Light Artillery
has not yet been heard from, and it is
not in my power to ascertain whether it
has been forwarded to the Secretary of War.
Col. Garland approved it and gave it
through his adjutant to Genl. Ewell on the
2d Ult., and beyond that I know nothing,
and will be unable to learn anything
reliable. There is another scheme how-
ever by which I hope to be successful.
Captain Henry ]Grey Latham yesterday applied for au-
thority to raise a battalion, and he as-
sures me that if granted he will
assign me to raise one of the Compan-
ies, as he will have the right to do.
He conversed with Genl. Johnston on the sub-
ject, and the Genl. gave his approval
and promised to forward the paper at once.
It will probably be sent to Richmond
by the same mail that conveys this, and

[page 2]
will I think receive the favorable consideration
of the Department. Capt. L. told me this
morning that he would write to you & Mr. Bo-
cock this evening requesting your aid
in his enterprise, and should he be success-
ful, I shall be likewise. He is not very at-
tentive to such things, and should you not
receive his letter, I would be glad if you would
do all in your power to aid him. It is cert-
ain that his document will reach the Secre-
tary during the present week. The exact
day cannot be ascertained. I am partic-
ularly anxious to get this thing done as
soon as practicable. If done at once I
can organize a company of select men.
The men are anxious to get a furlough
at once, and this will induce them
to enlist rapidly. Should I fail to get
the Commission to organize a Light Artillery
Company, I think the next best thing would
be to get one for service with one of the
heavy batteries on the Potomac. That ser-
vice is popular, and affords ample
opportunity for meeting the enemy.
I shall [be] glad to hear from you as
soon as you can conveniently write, as
I feel greatly interested in the present
design, and would rather be success-

[page 3]
ful on it than in another I have yet
conceived.
I am glad to learn that the mare works
well in harness, and will answer the
purpose which I proposed. I should like to
have her sent down at once, and shall
write Mr. Ryan to that Effect.
I can but feel renewed gratitude
to you for the kindness with which
you provide for my wants, and indulge so
in my wishes. There is nothing now
that I need. I am surrounded by comfort,
and convenience, and can but feel re-in-
spirited & determined to stand up to my
post when I think of the kind friends
who provided them for me.
Our wing of the battalion will go on
picket next Friday the tenth, and return
on the Monday following. I will write you
however again before I leave for that
duty. Snow fell to the depth of
several inches night before last, but
since then the temperature has moderated
considerably, & it is now raining
with the prospect of continuance. We are
all however very well protected.
A sad death occurred amongst us
night before last. Wm P. McCorkle a citizen

[page 4]
of Lexington, and a private soldier in our Com-
pany died suddenly in the hospital from overdrinking.
He was a man of fine parts, intelligent,
educated, and gentlemanly. He was once Editor
of the Lynchburg Republican, but has long been
a wanderer, and an outcast. He died from
dissipation having indulged so freely in liquor
that his system gave under and he perished
from Exhaustion. His death casts a gloom over
all, for he was a man of very fine talents,
and was highly esteemed. It is a sad Com-
mentary on the use of intoxicating drinks.
The Army is perfectly quiet at present
but three days rations are by order of Genl.
Beauregard held in constant readiness in
case of an attack.
A theatre is being created in Centreville for
the purpose of furnishing amusement to
Genl. Longstreet’s division during the Winter.
A regular Company from Richmond will I
believe lease it.
I continue in excellent health.
All well at home at last accounts except
Cance & she I learn is better.
With much love I remain
Most affectionately Your Son
Jno. W. Daniel
[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards with comments by Robert K. Krick]

[“Full name of the dead drunk was William Philander McCorkle. His CSR says he died of “Pericarditis”. “ –Robert K.Krick]

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.”

MSS 5526

[From the diary of Wesley Hammond of the Dixie Greys, Co. E of the 42nd Virginia Infantry]

Some 15 wounded men came
to town, wounded at Hangi-
ng Rock and Bath. Our Regt.
was in the fight at Bath.

[According to the Regimental Register for the 42nd Virginia Infantry, Wesley Hammond was listed as sick through 1 April 1862. His diary does not resume until August 14]

5526