I wonder what you are doing my
darling this cold weather, the winter
seems to have set in in earnest, last
night was a cold freezing night, they
were getting ice here yesterday, and
by tomorrow they say it will be six
inches thick, I hope you will
get your ice house full as soon
as possible, and not let the chance
slip, I want you to give me some
ice cream next summer when
I come to see you, it has been
cold all day, has not thawed in
the sunshine, the Potomac, I
understand, is frozen over, though
not hard enough in the current
I suppose to bear, Genl Hill ex=
pects to be attacked very shortly, he
issued orders today putting us all
upon the alert, he is making pre=
parations for a vigorous defence

[page 2]
he thinks the enemy may advance
at any moment, at the signal gun
we are directed to form in line
of battle, and by the gleam of the
rocket we will be informed of the
point of attack, and there we are
ordered to repair in haste to meet
the enemy and fight him, I am
very doubtful though whether
there will be any advance or any
battle here this winter, there
have been indications of an
advance by the enemy, but I doubt
whether they really have any
such intention, I don’t know
what they may do if the River
freezes hard enough to cross with
artillery, let him come when
he will he will meet with a
hot reception, and if he gains a
foothold here he will have to do
more hard fighting than he has
ever done yet, we have four of

[page 3]
the best Regiments here in the
service, we are badly off for artil=
lery though, but Henl Hill has
sent for more, I don’t know whether
he will get it or not, but I hope he
will, we have nothing but this
Richmond Howitzer battery, and
we have no confidence in it, I have
no idea the enemy will ever get
to Leesburg, at least not shortly
since I commenced writing to
night it has set in to snowing,
and it is falling now thick and
fast, and if it continues until
morning, will be pretty deep,
I think that will effectually
destroy all hopes of the enemy’s com=
ing, if he ever had any serious
intention of doing so, which I
am very much disposed to doubt,
I believe I wrote you word that the
orders in relation to granting furlough
had been countermanded and in hopes
they will be renewed after a while, but if so

[page 4]
I cant tell when, I suppose it will
depend on circumstances, I trust it
may be so, I had a thousand times rather
see you at home my darling, and then
if necessary you could come back
with me, but this is altogether un=
certain, if however it should be im=
possible for me to get home I suppose
you will have to come here, though I
don’t like the thought of your taking
such a trip in the winter, and then
it would not be like being with you
at home, but I can’t go all the winter
without seeing you my darling,that
is an impossibility I think, if I thought
I was obliged to do so I believe I should
give up in despair,–Sam came
to Leesburg today, and just now
came out to camp in a rather a bad
condition, he brought me a letter though
and for that I was rejoiced to see him,
I thought it was strange your letters
should be so slow coming, I have recd
but one, by mail, for nearly two weeks,
I have heard nothing of Nat Vandergrift
and didn’t know until you mentioned
it that he had started, the boys are
all well except little John who is
complaining right smartly, he went
into town last night complaining of
a sore throat,and I heard this evening
that he had been in bed to day, we have
two men who were very ill during the
last week and I was very worried about

[remainder of letter from Edwin R. Page to Olivia Alexander page missing]

MSS 8937

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

Weather uncertain–now threatens rain
now snow–But it moderates somewhat-Was
surprized by Stephen Peters calling on me
to request that I would stand as his chosen wit
ness in the rite of baptism which he wished
to receive at 3 1/2 P.M. at which time his young
est child would be also baptised–I had not
been aware that his mind had been exercised
on the subject of religion at all & of consequence
not prepared for such an announcement. I went
with Mr. Konikle[?] at the hour named to his
house–A few ladies were present. the ceremony
was interesting and novel–a father & child bap
tised at the same time–Peters has been appointed
a Qr Master and ordered to Kentucky and wished
to make a profession of religion before his de-
parture–went to Sue’s & found her very busy
preparing for her departure for Leesburg tomor
row morning–After night she came over to take
leave of her mother. I was in hopes til the
last that a telegram would announce that
Charles had obtained a leave & her trip render
-ed unnecessary—Letter from Fleming Saunders
from Orange C H saying he would be with us
tomorrow evening–that he was uninvolved and
would come to our house.

MSS 4763

[from the diary of Joseph Addison Waddell, a clerk in the Quartermaster Dept., Staunton, Va.]

Nothing of special interest to-day. We hear
that the enemy have left Huntersville. Yes-
terday news came that they had possession of
that place.

[MSS 38-258]

My Dear Phil[lip Barraud Cabell]

Your note to Jennie was
not received till Saturday morning at Bolling
Island where we then were, and had first to
be forwarded to us from Richmond, and we hasten
to express the interest and sympathy both of us
feel on the occasion tho’ before the end I’m afraid
my writing will grow illegible as I am suffering
from a sprained wrist so swollen & stiff, that it is
only with the greatest pain I can write–I was very
much relieved & thankful to hear that the dread-
ful hour was over and that Miss Pink was safely
through it–I had thought very often of the anxiety
which must be oppressing you and and am truly re-
joiced that you are now relieved completely. I cannot
help noting that you are too despondent in say-
ing that your “Little Blossom” will suffer for life
from her little foot: she i[s] so young I trust she
may outgrow it and under careful treatment be-
come free from all lameness, as I have known

[page 2]
of several similar cases being completely cured;
but I am grieved she begins the world with any
mischance, even though time shall free her from
it. My mother agrees with me in thinking that

that[sic] the infirmity is not occasioned by the fall I
recollect in Richmond, and my mother’s reason
for thinking so is she says “her certainty that had
the fall been followed by any consequences of that
sort, they would have been infinitely more fatal.”
Is little Blossom most like her mother or
you? Louisa showed us the little hair which we
all though very luxurious and pretty. I am glad
she is such a fine healthy child, and I make no
doubt that even if it should please God never to
fully remove its little deficiency, He will so order
all things as to make its being a great happiness & blessing
to herself & to you all–With love to Miss Pink
and hopes for her speedy restoration to health, I am as
ever Yours very sincerely
Alexander Q Holladay
Please let us hear from you whenever convenient, I
will write again when my hand is well

[page 3]
Dear Mr Cabell
Alix has written you quite a long letter
but I must add a few lines for to thank
you for your kind note which I
was very glad to receive and to tell you
that I am very glad to hear of the birth
of your little girl and of Pinks safety
I am very sorry to hear there should be
any defect about the little baby but when
you think how much worse it might
have been and how many terrible afflictions
others have suffered from you have cause
to be thankful and then I hope that
it may not be as bad as you imagine
and that the little one will outgrow it
but if it should not please God to remove
its affliction defect every one will love it
all the more. I am very sorry Pink should
have suffered so much and with love
to her and kind regards to the rest of

[page 4]
your family believe me ever yours sincerely
V.[?]R.[?]H.

MSS 38-111

[from the diary of Z. Lee Gilmer, Sgt., Co. B, 19th Virginia (Albemarle Rifles)

My camp was payed off
today. we were payed up
to November, received $25
I will receive the Serg
eants pay from this
time out $17 per month

MSS 4459

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

I am on guard to
day again I got on
regimental guard
there was 15 of Co K
went out on a scout
they took 19 prisners
and each one brought
a horse or a mule
and a quilt or blank[e]t
there was one compo
ny went out to day
they expect to stay out
a good while for they
took a wageon an
rations a long for
that perpers they are
going out on twelve
pole creeke 18 or twenty
miles frome here
there was some houses burnt

MSS 13405

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

Weighed anchor this morning and went
up to the landing opposite the city
to take in coal. While we lay there I went
up to visit an old fort which is standing
there, called Fort Madison I believe
Have written to Henry Russell and John
Sawyer to day. This afternoon we have
been lying near the wharf waiting
for soldiers to come on board, but they
have not come on yet (it now being nine
oclock. Our regiment has been embarked
on the Steamer New York today. It has
been quite cold and snowed considerable
during the night.

MSS 11293

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

Left Charleston this
morning at daybreak
was with the pilot
some of the way
stopped at point Pleasant
a short time arrived
at Gallipolis at 2 Oclock P.M.
stopping at the
American House
Was shaved rooms[?] this
afternoon
Had some oysters
Was in a Billard pa[r[lor
Cold stormy snowed
some

MSS 10317

My Dear Father:
Your letter of the 2nd Inst.
reached me this morning and as I suppose you
will leave for Richmond tomorrow I shall
direct my reply to that place. I am glad
to learn that you approve of my plan
of forming an artillery company, and if
the friends whom you mention can pro-
cure for me the armament necessary,
there is no manner of doubt but that
I can raise a picked Company of 100
men. Some sixty mainly, and with
few exceptions form this regiment, have
already sent me their names, and expres-
sed the desire to go in my company and
as many more can be procured in
two hours notice, provided I am authorized
by the Department to enrol[l] them. Of
this I feel assured. The authority to raise
the Company I would regard as equal
to the appointment of Captn. of Artillery,
as it would necessarily lead me to that
Office.

[page 2]
The application which I made was
approved by Col. Garland, and by him forward-
ed to Genl. Ewell who I suppose has forwarded
by routine to the War Department. I am
told that I shall hear nothing more
from it until a reply comes from the Sec-
retary. It is probable that I shall need
all the assistance you can give me
to get it through. There is great desire
to procure batteries, and daily solici-
tations backed by all the influence that
can be brought to bear are being made
to secure them. The popularity of
the Artillery service will ensure any
Officer of respectability who can procure
Guns the men to man them.
I shall be most happy to learn that
your efforts to aid me have proven
successful. The sooner my case is present-
ed to the secretary, the better as similar
propositions are being made & pressed
every day. Whether my application has
reached him, or not, it would be well
for Mr. Bocock, or some other influential
gentleman to present my case, as it might
even without appearing in the military form be
favorably considered. I shall anxiously
await tidings on the subject.

[page 3]
I am not at all surprised to hear
of the great apprehension manifested
in regard to the reenlistment of our
volunteers in the spring, and I assure you
it is not a groundless anxiety. It is
fully justified by the pervading senti-
ment of the army, and the country
can not awake too soon to the dan-
ger which threatens it with disaster,
if not destruction. Unless wise legis-
lation incercepts [sic] the action of the army,
we must prepare to attack the enemy
in his entrenchments early in the Spring,
and rely solely upon that stroke for
our salvation. It is sadly, but palpa-
bly true that the body of our volunteers
will not reenlist, before visiting their
homes in the Spring, and then it may
be too late for their return to aid the
cause. The enemy will see our weakness
and overwhelm us. You may rely
upon the patriotism, and ardor of the
troops to override their desire to regain
the repose & comfort of home, but if so
you will be deceived. A bill of force,
requiring them to remain, while it
would be followed by dissatisfaction & mutiny
must be passed to save us, if the crises

[page 4]
be prolon[g] deferred to the expiration of
the present term of service. Captn. Saunders –
Our representative in the Genl. assembly, &
many other officers agree with me “in
toto”. I think in the meantime that the
Militia should be drafted and required
to join some Company of Volunteers as
they may individually select and thus
replenish our wasted ranks. Arms, Equip-
ments, & training will thus be secured, and
the men now in the field will be stimu-
lated by the fact that all able to
fight will then be sharing the hardships,
& perils of war. Action on this all impor-
tant matter cannot be too early, or too
vigorous & decided. I should like to
hear at length your news on the subject.
There is considerable conjecture in the army
in regard to the successorship of Genl. Cocke.
Some designate Col. Hunton, some Withers, and
some Garland as the probable choice. The ap-
pointment will I suppose be made very soon,
and Col. Hunton it is generally supposed will
receive it. Should Col. Garland be the success-
ful aspirant I think it not improbable that
he may offer me a place on his Staff, as he
asked me while on picket with him as adjutant
a few days since [“]How I would like to be an
aid” I replied that I would be satisfied with

[Written in top margin on page 1:]
such a place, & he rejoined that he might mention my
name in a way to secure for me the position. Then
the subject was dropped.
I shall try & write
you as frequently as possible & shall be glad to hear from
you whenever your duties permit your writing.
We had orders last night to prepare 3 days rations & be
ready to march at short notice. Nothing farther
to day. All quiet.
Most affectionately Jno. W. Daniel.
P. S. I have a fine cheerful fire to night, and
as I am not otherwise occupied I have conclu-
ded to prolong my chat a little while. Without
the prospect is anything but cheering as mingled
hail & snow are falling thick & fast.)
You mentioned in a letter some days since that you
thought some explanation of the conduct of Co. A on
the 20th at Dranesville should be made. I was of the
same opinion, and have since seen that a note
with proper accounts of the affair be address-
ed to the paper which contained the first
statements of the fight. HOWEVER, I DO NOT
THINK THE COURSE PURSUED BY Lieut. Mitchell
the commander of our company on that day was
guided by the slightest judgment, and I there-
fore think it would not redound to the cred-
it of the Company for all of its acts to be
exposed. That you may correctly under-
stand this I will reiterate briefly
my previous account of the affair

[Here Daniel inserted a sketch of the battlefield at Dranesville.]

You will recollect that I told you
in my letter about the battle that when
I caught up with the Regt. it was just
in time to join in the charge on the Yan-
kee pickets (at C). Upon enquiry I found
that Co. A had been sent into the
woods as skirmishers (B) and
immediately searched for, but
could not find it. I then hurried
to rejoin the Regt. & remained
with it during the fight
[page 2 of P. S.]
whenever I could. It seems that Co. A after
penetrating some distance into the woods
& of finding no Yankees returned to B
where it had left the Regt. and not finding
it there continued up the road until it came
to our battery “A.” The Regt. as you see
from the sketch was drawn up in line
just on the right of the mouth of the
road & not more than 150 yds distant.
At the battery, or rather near it, Co. A remain-
ed during the fight, and, at the close
left with the artillery, not waiting
to come off with the regt. The proper
way to have acted was of course to have
sent out persons to find the regt. on
arriving at the battery, but instead
of doing so, Mitchell ordered his men
into a ditch near the battery, & with-
out making farther effort, except enquiring,
to find the regt. Kept his men out
of the fight. I do not attribute
this course to cowardice but merely to
utter lack of proper discretion.
I have just thought that it would
be a good idea to endeavor to get possession
of one of the batteries which will be vaca-
ted in the spring. Lathan’s (& others) will
go out of service, and their pieces might

[P.S. page 3]
possibly be procured. Will you be so kind
as to mention this to whomsoever you may
get to see the secretary of war?
I am in excellent health & lack for
nothing to make me comfortable.
Let me thank you My Dear Father
for the liberal manner in which
you have provided for all my wants,
and for the warm encouragement
you have always given me on worthy
undertakings. I shall try to merit
the Continuance of your approbation,
and hope at some day to make you
some return for your care.
Most affectionately Your Son,
John 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 comments by Robert K. Krick]

[“Thomas Stanhope Bocock was a member of the Confederate Congress from Daniel’s home district.” Robert K. Krick]

[“Captain Robert Chancellor Saunders of the 11th Virginia served in the state legislature at this point.” Robert K. Krick]

MSS 158

My Dear Brother [Philip Barraud Cabell]

I received your letter
bearing the happy tidings of your being a father
day before yesterday and although it makes
me feel very old already at the idea of being an
uncle nevertheless I congratulate you with
all my heart both of you of course as you are one
now, I would give anything to see my little
Niece but am afraid it will be many long
months before the happy time comes for me to
have that pleasure. We have moved our camp
as you see since I last wrote to you all and
are now situated in a much better place about
two miles from Manassas and our winter quarter
are going up very fast and although today is
Sunday no one would ever take it to be so if
he was up here for work goes on just the same
as on any other day but “Necessitas non legem habet”
seems to be the motto here. This morning I went to

[page 2]
Post office before sunrise and you may depend
upon it, it was somewhat cool on those old
hills near Manassas I began to think Frank
was determined to break my neck he slipped
& skated about as much but my time had not
come for that I am getting somewhat superstisious
about my neck anyway as I dreamt I was about
to be hung the other night but hope I shall be
mistaken about that also. I think I shall stay
in my tent all the winter & not go into a log
cabin although I have helped to build one in case
a tent became too cold but Mr. [Jesse] Heath (Captain now)
has a splendid Silby tent now with a nice little
stove & I have made so many nice little fix-
-tures in it that I dont care to leave he & I
are the only occupants too which makes it
much better, one of our troopers calls our tent
the Spottswood I was very sorry to hear the other
day of the death of your Uncle Philip [St. Geo. Cocke] poor man I
reckon he had so much to attend to and so many
cares that it injured his mind. I must now
bid you farewell dear Phill as it is nearly dinner

[page 3]
time. Give my best love t& a kiss to my sister and
keeping a large share yourself believe me as ever
your affectionate brother-in-law
Richard M. Bolling
P.S. I am very glad your child is a little girl
for I like to pet little girls a great deal more than
I do boys give my love to all at Liberty Hall

R.M. Bolling

4th Regiment, Virginia Cavalry

MSS 38-111