[from the diary of Daniel D. Logan, younger brother of General Thomas M. Logan, and Sgt., Co. B, 1st Special Battalion (Rightor’s) Louisiana Infantry.

Sunday – January 26 1862
Rose this morning at 8 o’c &
wrote a letter to Sister Sallie –
Went to church – Episcopal – at 11
& walked home with Miss Hattie
Carey – sat an hour or so & returned
to Miss Galts – after dinner Emmett
& I walked into Camp – I
called the roll – Wrote a letter
to Lillie enclosing one to
Miss Nina – Returned at 11 ½
o’clock – Tattoo tonight at
7/ o’clock

[Sarah Septima Logan, 1847-1828, and Josephine Maria Logan, AKA Lillie, 1843-1923, sisters of Logan]

[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards and annotation by Robert K. Krick]

MSS 6154

Winchester Jany 26 1862
My Darling Wife
We left Romney on Thurs
day and after three days we reached on
yesterday evening our present encampment
two miles from Winchester. To day I received
your grumbling letter of 21st in which you
are very bitter over my bad usage in being
refused a furlough. The only matter of surprise
with me is that I ever lost my temper about
it as I came to the conclusion long ago that
there was no use in grumbling about any
thing in the army and it was always best
to bear in patience whatever happens [to] us
with a becoming sense of gratitude that
it is no worse. I think we shall remain
at rest here until Spring, no one being more
thoroughly disgusted with a winter cam-
paign than Jackson himself is from the
fruits of our expedition to Romney.

[page 2]
Echols furlough expires nine days hence
and then I think I may safely promise my
self the happiness of a visit home to en-
joy for a while the loved society of wife
and little ones from whom I have been
so long separated. For a while, only, Love,
as my duty will require me to leave you
soon again. I wish to pursue such course
as will give me hereafter a good opinion of
myself and the good opinion of my neigh-
bors, and neither is to be won by shrink-
ing from the dangers and hardships of a
soldiers life when the safety of his coun-
try requires him to endure them. But
for this the titles and applause to be won
by gallantry upon the field could never
tempt me from home. Would you have
me return there, the subject of such con-
versation as has been freely lavished upon
some who remained behind, and others
who turned their backs on country & comrade
I think not

[page 3]
I don’t think Love you would know me
if you could see me just now. I think I am
dirtier than I ever was and maybe lousy
besides. I have not changed clothes for two
weeks, and my pants have a hole in each
leg nearly big enough for a dog to creep
through. I had been promising myself the
luxury of soap & water all over, and a change
of clothes to day but the wind blows so
hard and cold I really think I should
freeze in the operation.
I am afraid the dirt is striking in – as I
am somewhat afflicted with the babys
complaint – a pain under the apron
I am not much afraid of it however
as I succeeded in getting down a good
dinner, which with me is generally a
sign of pretty fair health – Now Love I will
bid you goodbye, as it is very cold and
uncomfortable writing leaving the last
side of my sheet unwritten –
Ever Yours
E F. Paxton

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

General Elisha F. “Bull” Paxton, University of Virginia alumnus and Confederate general, commanded the 27th Virginia Infantry and later the 1st “Stonewall” Brigade at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville.

MSS 2165

Camp Jackson Ft Gaines Jany 26/62 [RD]
My Dear Wife –
I wrote to you yesterday
by Lieut Roberts but forgot to Day that
I could not find any Knitting needle
here – Has “Louis” commenced painting
the Dining Room – We received a
Dispatch from Capt Hardy
this morning saying that “Eli Shorter”
Telegraphs from Richmond and
we will be stationed here for
six months in the Confederate Unit [?].
Which arrangement I am verry well
pleased with. This is fine weather
for Gardening – so much so that
you can plant Corn in about
fifteen days – Let me hear
from you all about every
thing – Your affectionate Husband
W. H. Locke

William H. Locke, Confederate in John Hardy’s “Eufala Minute Men” and Captain George A. Robert’s C.o C, Fourth Batallion, Alabama Cavalry; before and after the war a dry goods merchant in Eufala, Alabama.

[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 13485

Out Post No 2
Jany 26” Sunday Night
My darling Jennie
With 5 companies numbering 196 men
rank & file I left camp and got here by one
Oclock our baggage train coming about dark
Lieut Whit Kisling of Capt Yanceys Co is my
acting Adjutant and Dr Morson my Surgeon
we three have a good room furnished with
beds chairs tables & in the house of a friend
near my line. the weather has been windy
but not cold and my men seem to have
a very good time of it. For my own part
I am perfectly comfortable & had rather
be here than in camp Billy of course
is with me. I expect to be able to re
turn to camp on Tuesday. The only draw
back on picket is that we are compelled
to sleep in our clothes. could I undress and
if you could safely be with me I dont
know but that we could be quite as com-
fortable in our present quarters as we
could if I was at Frescatti. We are not
pleased with the result of the fight at Som-
erset Ky. It is reported here that Genl
Beauregard is to go to Ky. I hope this
is true for he is not only popular with
our men but is a terror to the Yankeys
and thus he will inspire confidence on

[page 2]
our side & at the same time discourage
the other side. You know I dont think as
much of the little Frenchman as I do of
Genl Johnston yet I do think he is the
man to send to Ky. Genl Van Dorn has
gone to Missouri. this is another good plan
he is just the man for the place and
was not needed here. I blame Genl Critinden
for the Ky misfortune. Critinden was here
for some time & I am told was drunk all the
time & I doubt not was drunk at the fight
No body but a drunken fool would attack
14000 men believing there was only 1500
I think we are geting [sic] up a better feeling
on the subject of reinlisting [sic]. by good man-
agement a majority of our men could be
got to revolunteer, but I dont think I will
have much to do with it.
My camp post is about 2 ½ miles from Fairfax
Station & 4 miles from our regimental camp &
not far from the R R. our picket is on the
R. R. I hope when this reaches you you &
the children will both be quite well. kiss the
dear little creatures for me & tell them papa
does want to see them so much. I saw George
the day before I wrote my last letter. he was
quite well. but I neither hear nor see Edward
nor James.
Most truly & factually ETHW

“Lieut Whit Kisling”, line 4 – ‘Whitfield G. Kisling, 1st Lieutenant, Company E, 10th VA Infantry.’

“Capt Yanceys Co”, line 4 – ‘Captain William B. Yancey, Captain, Company E, 10th VA Infantry.’

“Dr Morson”, line 5 – ‘John A. Morson, Assistant Surgeon, 10th VA Infantry.’

“Frescatti”, line 20 – ‘Frascati, childhood home of Jennie.’

“Beauregard”, line 23 – ‘Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard.’

“Genl Johnston”, page 2, line 4 – ‘Joseph Eggleston Johnston, commanding general, Confederate Army of the Potomac.’

“Genl Van Dorn”, page 2, line 5 – ‘Earl Van Dorn.’

“Genl Critinden”, page 2, lines 8 & 9 – “George Bibb Crittenden.’

“R R”, page 2, line 21 – “This was the Orange and Alexandria Railroad.’

“George”, page 2, line 25 – ‘Jennie’s brother George S. Magruder, Corporal, Company C, 13th VA Infantry.’

“Edward”, page 2, line 27 – ‘Jennie’s brother Edward J. Magruder, Captain, Company A, 8th GA Infantry.’

“James”, page 2, line 28 – ‘Jennie’s brother James W. Magruder, Sergeant, Company K, 2nd VA Cavalry.’

[transcription and annotation by John P. Mann, IV]

MSS 7786-g

Dear Walter:-

Harry Cline is about to leave here for your
camp and kindly consents to be the bearer of a hasty
note to you.

As the expiration of our term of service draws
near we begin to think about what company we will enlist
in for the War. The most of our Boys (the Warren Rifles)
are in favor of going in cavalry and we wish to unite
those of our Company and those of yours who are in favor
of going in Cavalry in one Company and the only thing that
I see to prevent our doing so is that your Company comes
out in July and ours in May. We are compelled to re-enlist
within twenty days of the expiration of our term of service
or we are subject to a Militia draft. But probably by
special application we can arrange this. Have you seen a
copy of the re-enlisting act passed by the Confederate
congress: I will send you one soon.

I case the company could be raised the Boys
speak of Cousin Horace Buck as Captain. Do you think he
will suit?

Please write to me and let me know what your
Company intend doing and what you think of the proposition
by the very first opportunity.

I have been appointed orderly Sergeant of the
Warren Rifles.

I have a crow to pick with you the first time
we meet my young man.

Bill says you must be sure and get with us next
time. He has been waiting very patiently for a letter from
you.

The Boys all send love, I must close. Write
soon. Excuse this hastily written note.

Your affec. Bro.
Dick

Richard Bayly Buck, 1844-1888, of Front Royal. Va.

[Letters transcribed and typed by his son George G. Buck at an unknown date. Location of originals unknown.]

MSS 1091

Dear Sister

I have sit down to drop you
A few lines, not in answer to any thing we
have received lately. In the last letter we got
you spoke of not hearing from us for three
months, we answer that letter some time since.
We are all well, and hope these few lines
may find you all well, for time and eternity.
there is a greateal[sic] of sickness, typhoid fever diptheria
mumps and measleas still remain in this County
their has been A great manny deaeths deaths and
still continue to be. Mrs Gay died since we wrote last
this is the third of that family and tenth of this
neighbourhood, some families have lost eight out of nine some
seven some five, some three, and so on. Death seams
to be abroad in out land. John Smith had it
wife and seven children he lost all. John Hellison
seven out of eight. the Rev James More says he
has counted over one hundred & fifty deaths of our sitizens
this last year. There is somethin more distressing
occuring here than death from sickness. that is
taking men out of their hoses[sic] from their own firesides
in the dark hours of the night and murdering them
either on their farms or on the public highway

[page 2]
on the night of the 22inst. Mr Timothy Alderman
was taken. Soon after dark, their was four
men called at his house and wanted him to come
out. they wanted Aword with him, he told them
he had been Sick and did not like to go out, for
them to come in. With that one of the men came
to the door and presented his pistol at him and
said he would shoot him if he did not come out.
that he only wanted A word with him, he went
out and asked their names one said his name was
Wood. Alderman’s wife went to the door with the candle
in her hand one of the men said shoot it out another
said take it back and shut the door. and Alderman
has never been seen since. nor heard of since he
was an old man with A large family of small children
he was A consistent member of the Old Side Methodist chur
ch, but was said to hold Union principarls[sic].

In the same week that Alderman was taken
Eli Buzzard & Henry Arbigast was taken also. The robbers
or Garillows told Buzzard to gather up his money
and clothes that he had to go to Huntersvil
he was found about one mile from his house
with more than one bullet hole in his boddy and
robed of about two thousand dollars worth of money
and bonds. Abigast was also found dead with A hole blowed
threw his head and his face poweder burnt he was
A local preacher and all of them said to be of the
same principal

[page 3]
It is said that Col Jackson has offered $200 reward for
the murderers or their names. and it is said also that
General Johnston has come down from Aleghany camp
to see if he can find out ho[sic] is the offenders.
Some think it is to be the Tennessee Cavalry Some
say that their air forty of A Garillon[sic] company in
this County. From those Back Countyes and threatning
There has been A great many murders comited
in Braxton and Webster Countyes between the
unionists Unionists and secessionests. There are refuges
coming in almost daily telling things harable
to lisen to. of stealing and burning of property
leaving orphan children in truly destitute [hole in paper]
out Shelter for their heads.

[letter will continue on February 2]

[MSS 13371]

[from the diary of Daniel D. Logan, younger brother of General Thomas M. Logan and a Sgt., Co. B, 1st Special Battalion (Rightor’s) Louisiana Infantry]

Weather clear today. Emmett & I
came to town – he rode & I walked
in by the cut off, beating the carry [?]-all
in. I had to take off my boots & wade in
the Creek. Dined at Lizzies, spent the after noon
& evening at Miss Galts – called on Miss Cary
& the Tuckers but they were not at home –
rather a hard case, to walk six miles
through the mud to see a young lady &
play chess with her & find her out. Capt
Taylor brought Emmett & I some egg nog tonight
while we were enjoying a good fire in
our room. I sat up tonight & wrote a letter
to Julie – Find six letters in the office
today for me – Rec’d a Richmond paper of
the 24th with an a/c of our defeat in Ky
at Somerset – Learn today that the 2d La
Regiment are ordered to Kentucky.

[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 6154

My Dear Father

I received your
ever welcome letter this mor-
ning. I have since receiving
moved to this place. — Mr. Mc
Pherson’s. I have the mumps
quite badly. They have attacked
me below. You know where.
Frank Guy had them I mean.
I am in very comfortable quar-
ters apparently. And hope
soon to be well. I do not sup-
pose you will deem me sick
enough to visit. Indeed I hope
it will be a trifling affair
Should you deem it necessary
I think your best way would be
by taking the Manassas Gap
down & go to The Plains. There
you will find a stage run-

[p.2]
ning to middleburg. There
you can you find a private
conveyance to Leesburg or
camp. Do not I beg you
my father give yourself
any uneasiness on my account.
It would be imprudent for me
to sit up longer. Give
my best love to all. Dr. [?]
has so far been practice-
ing on me. Again good bye
Yr. most affectionate
son — W. H. Perry, Jr.

William H. Perry, 1836-1915, of the Richmond Howitzers; later a Virginia lawyer.

[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

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

Was at home all day
did nothing walked out
with the gun Saw nothing
Will Stories called this
evening–took supper
gave him the buggy
and horse to go to the
party at Shonackers
went with him to
Savan[nah] called on Eliza
walked home
Cloudy no change

Was at home today. Bates
called awhill, Will & Jennie
Langan called a short time
This afternoon.
Snowed some last night
also some this forenoon
now clear cold

MSS 10317

Genl Cocke

Dear Sir
By request of Dr.
Holeman I send this note to you, that
you may have an opportunity of sending
from under your hand the amount of
your Taxable Fund, I gave him a list of
the Negros & directed hm to the Commissioners
Book for the balance; but he is fearful that it
might have been changed since you gave in
your last list–All well as usual, had
a snow storm yesterday morning
followed by rain & sleet; but is mile again
this morning, I hope you will find an
opportunity to come up and see us before long
I wrote you a few days ago, about Mr Joseph Seay
wanting very much to hire a cook woman
if you were disposed to hire one
I am about starting my teams to haul some
logs to the Steam Saw Mill, today.
Dr. Brent Y Mrs Brent left for Warminster
by the last Boat. Mr. Wm Cabell has been down
His wife & Mr Frank Cabell both sick with
colds & sore throat, I remain yours in haste
very respectfully Ro B. Hughes

MSS 640