1862 February 28 Placeholder

[Warren’s letter is written in poor quality ink that has faded almost to illegibility over the past 150 years]

Camp Walker
February 28 1862
My own darling Wife
I got no letter from Frescatti today
from which fact I infer you are [doing fine?]
I must [conclude?] that[line 3, illegible]
[line 4, illegible]
to be [line 5, illegible]
too and do not now see how it is possible
to do so. I had determined before I received
information of your confinement to remain
with the regiment and do all in my power
to reorganize it and such continued to be my
purpose up to last night when Gibbons off-
ered Major Walker and myself an indignity
which unless satisfactorily explained in the
morning will compell [sic] me to tender my resig
nation on the spot. The Major & I have again
and again for months past called Col Gs att-
ention to the fact that the regiment was being
rapidly disorganized and that action ought
to be taken at once to prevent it but apparent
ly he turned a deaf ear to all of our opinions
until last night he called privately a meeting
of the company officers at his cabin from
which we were excluded. The object of
this meeting as stated to me by three captains
was to determine on the plan of reorganization
He has thus entirely ignored even our existence
and by his action decided that we have either

[page 2]
no interest in the reorganization of[this?]
regiment not sense enough to aid in it and
thus he degrades us before the very men to
whom we must look for our reelection. I
for one will not submit to such treatment
and unless ample explanations are made my
resignation goes in tomorrow. this thing
has had a most depressing influence on me
all day and I would have asked for explanations
this morning but to day is fast day – a day
which I regard as a national Sabbath and
ought not to be profaned by such things. I
am sorry to be thus forced out of the command
but unless we can have a complete understanding
the sooner we part company the best for both of
us. I ought not to trouble you with my own
troubles just now while you are so sick and
feble and you must not permit it to worry
you, but just think of it a little while and
then call for our new baby. I am crazy to know
if it is pretty and who it looks like. I know
[? ?] tell whether it is pretty and all about
it. I dont expect the little monkey has a single dress
to put on its back. Tell Jim he must lend her his
shirt & Lizzie she must lend her a dress or she
will get mighty cold in all this cold windy
weather. I Whose lap does Jim sit on now
and tell him papa wants to know whose baby
he is now. I reckon he will be papas now
and what does sister th think of her companion to be

[page 3]
I am afraid you all dont love the poor little
stranger as much as you do Lizzie & Jim. I expect
is a little red concern looking more like a monkey
than a baby and you are all making fun of it now.
if I was there I know I could find a thousand
beauties in it to talk about and brag over. I will
bet something [han[d]some?] that I could persuade every
body in the house to believe it just the handsomest
baby they ever saw. But then it is [poor?] little
thing without a lawyer to plead its cause and
not a rag to its back after its[rest of line 11, illegible]
washing. Tell Lizzie if she & Jim dont take the
best care of the baby and be themselves the best
children in the world why I will send Billy
up & bring the little concern down here where
I can take care of it myself. We have got no
baby at all in our regiment and we will
take it and call her the Daughter of the Regiment.
My darling it is very cold & the wind blows all
the time We can hardly keep warm even in our
comfortable cabins. I know I shall [? ? ? ?]
and I believe my cabin is one of the best in the camp.
The only news in camp is that Genl Elzee [sic] has returned I
am going to call on him tomorrow morning. I hope he
is in fine condition and perfectly able to continue in
command. You know I think Elzee [sic] an able officer
I would have called on him to day but it
was fast day. I dont like it much that I got
no letter to day. Hillary must write me a letter
about you, tell him I say so. I will send you

[page 4]
a letter every day I possibly can until
I can come myself but dont fret yourself
looking for me. Keep a cheerful heart
as I told you yesterday, I am constantly
thinking about you and it is so hard to
be away from you at a time like this
I know I could do wonders towards ma-
king you well – and taking care of you
I cant imagine how you are getting
along. My poor dear wife who has al-
ways depended so much on me, now to be
without me. but I must not write about
it. I saw in the Register to day
that [Pickens and ? ?] cousin Lizzie Glasgow [sp]
and two of her children are dead. they
died in a few days of each other. one was
her oldest – a daughter – the other a son
I was astonished of course I had heard
nothing of their illness. Good night my
precious darling.
Your own devoted husband
E.T.H.W.

“Frescatti”, line 1 – ‘Frascati. Virginia ‘Jennie’ Watson Magruder Warren’s ancestral home located a few miles north of Gordonsville.’

“Gibbons”, line 11 –

“Col Gs”, line 16 – ‘Both referred to Simeon B. Gibbons, Colonel, 10th VA Infantry.’

“Major Walker”, line 12 –

“the Major”, line 15 – ‘Both referred to Samuel T. Walker, Major, 10th VA Infantry.’

“Jim”, page 2, lines 24 & 27; page 3, lines 2 & 12 – ‘James, Warren’s five year old son.’

“Lizzie”, page 2, line 25; page 3, lines 2 & 12 – ‘Lizzie, Warren’s seven year old daughter.’

“Genl Elzee”, page 3, line 23 –

“Elzee”, page 3, line 26 – ‘Both referred to Arnold Elzey, Confederate general.’

“Hillary”, page 3, line 29 – “Hillary Magruder, Jennie’s younger brother by five years.’

“the Register”, page 4, line 13 – ‘Rockingham Register & Virginia Advertiser, newspaper published in Harrisonburg, Rockingham County.’

“E.T.H.W.”, signature – ‘Edward Tiffin Harrison Warren, Lieutenant-Colonel, 10th VA Infantry.’

[transcription and annotations by John P. Mann IV]

MSS 7786-g

1862 February 28 Staunton

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

Friday night, Feb. 28, 1862.

Fast Day, in accordance with pursuance of President Davis’
proclamation. A large congregation at our church
this morning. Mr. Baker + Mr. Campbell offici
ated. Mr. Junkin, of New Providence, preached
to-night, Sunday next is communion day. Frazier
came up from Richmond this evening. He says
our recent disasters have encouraged many Northern
sympathizers in Richmond + Norfolk to show them-
selves. Martial law has been declared at Norfolk +
Portsmouth, and will be at Richmond soon, perhaps.
There seems to be no doubt that our military stores
have been brought from Winchester to Strasburg. It
was reported yesterday that our troops were evac-
uating Centreville + Manassas. This is denied, but
there is probably some ground for the rumor. The papers
of yesterday stated that our loss in prisoners
at Donelson was about 7000. There is a general
feeling of distrust in the community. No volun-
teers offering in this region — noth[in]g but a draught
will bring the people out. Confidence in our leaders
is impaired.

Dr. Ebenezer Dickey Junkin, 1829-1891, served as pastor of New Providence Church, Rockbridge County, Va., for 20 years, 1860-1880

[transcription by the Valley of the Shadow]

MSS 38-258

1862 February 27

[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\

Thursday – February 27/62
Spent today in the routine of camp
duties – Drill at ten o’c & battalion drill –
at 3 o’c with parade at five o’c –
Fry & Harry sick today with chills –
Write to Willie Norcum today
in answer to his letter from N.O. –
Maj Beard gave me an order
tonight to report in Richmond, & get
our steam tug boat – I went to obtain
a pass, till Monday to go & try &
get my Valise – when he gave
me the order to go on “Battalion
business” – Sat up late tonight
getting ready for an Early
start in the morning –

Major James Beard, 1st La. Bn.

[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 6154

1862 February 27 Centreville, Va.

[The stationery for this letter, dated 27 Feb. 1862, is preprinted with ”Confederate States of American,” a cannon, a Confederate flag, and a patriotic verse.]

Centreville Feb. 27th 1862.
My Dear Father
Today the usual
repose of our camp has been
interrupted by rumors, and
orders which strongly fore-
shadow movements of stirring
interest, and importance.
Several regiments encamped
near this place have moved
off toward Leesburg and sev-
eral more our own included
have orders to dispatch im-
mediately to the rear their
heavy baggage, and retain

[page 2]
only such articles as may be
readily transported on their
backs. Some say that we
are destined to meet a large
column of the enemy which
is forcing itself down the Valley,
and others that our precautions
are only those preceeding a
general evacuation of this post.
I Confess my inability to
understand the policy about
to be pursued, and calmly
await the events of importuning [?] which
are evidently about to trans-
pire. I cannot however for
a moment credit the statement
that we will fall back to a
position in the interior.
Our men are generally in
good spirits, and ready

[page 3]
for what ever emergency they
may be called upon to meet.
On yesterday I informed
you of the interruption I
had met with in recruiting
in this division of the army
and to day I decided upon
the plan proper for me to
pursue. After consulting
with Capt. Latham and
other friendly officers I
determined to address a
respectful communication
to Genl. Johnston appealing
for the removal of the restrict-
tion imposed illegally by
Genl. Longstreet and enclo-
sing him all the papers
in which are necessary for
him to come to an important
judgement.

[page 4]
This paper will be regularly
forwarded through the usual
military channels, and all
pass through the hands of
Genl. L. It cannot be
long detained and I shall
expect an answer every day.
I am thoroughly convinced
that I have right, and
law on my side and
shall not therefore surrender
my point until every means
for securing what I am
entitled to is exhausted.
As soon as I receive a reply
I will communicate to you the
result. I am at least out
of reach of arrest, or any
other act of the Genls. displeas-
ure. With much love I remain
Your Affec. 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.”

[Transcripiton by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]
MSS 158

1862 February 27 Leesburg, Va.

Cavalry Camp near Leesburg
Febry 27th 1862

My dear wife
I recd. your letter this mor
ning from Petersburg I am very
glad that you are going home
(I suppose you are there by this
and that Robert’s condition is so
favourable, Dr Jackson thinks
there is no reason for apprehension
about his recovery, I wrote to you
the day before yesterday and intended
to have written again last night but
just as I was going to do it, an order
came for me to go out upon the
nightly rounds–you know what
that is, and as I was very tired I laid
down to rest and take a short nap be=
fore starting, it was raining hard
and the darkest night I ever saw,
if such an expression is allowable-

[page 2]
it took me nearly three hours
to go to the point of rocks, perhaps
my darling you will think it strange
when I tell you that this side
was, if not an absolute pleasure
at least a relief to me. I have
been in purgatory ever since I
parted with you at Upperville,
I read two letters from you besides
the one you sent me from Petersburg.
I have written to you every other
day since you went away and
it is a mystery to me why you
have not recd my letters, I have
been moping about and had nothing
to write to you except to tell you
of my undying love for you and
my great unhappiness at my
separation from you at this
time, in my last letter (which I
fear will never reach you, tho Tom
Randolph promised either to deliver

[page 3]
or mail it to you at Norfolk)
I advised you that we were in some
excitement here, that Genl Jackson
had called upon gen Hill for as=
sistance, and that the he had determined
to go to his relief, since that there has
been a state of feverish anxiety
here constantly, and more than a
thousand reports, some true but
mostly false have been in cir=
culation, the last and most
reliable information we have
is that the enemy is crossing in
force at Newport ferry. we have
been on the alert for the last three
days, ready to move at a moments
notice, we have orders to night
to have all our heavy baggage
loaded and ready to move back
in the morning. I suppose there is
a measure of precaution, our Col.
is very timid, and I do not think we are

[page 4]
in as much danger as he appears to
think we are, it is prudent however
to err on the safe side, one report
from Harpers ferry, and very indefinite
there is no doubt that the enemy
is either crossing there in force or
making a false demonstration.
Mrs Joyner will come here
tomorrow morning, I shall
try to persuade her to go
and stay with you for a while,
I think it will be a comfort
to you and her both, I am
writing in great haste my dar=
ling, and in the midst of the
hurry and preparation for
breaking camp, I have my
orderly Sergeant that is worth
anything [?] Dr Clark left
and the Capt is in town and never
comes to camp except to com=
plain abut what might have
been done if he had been here.
God bless you my own dear wife. What
ever may be your troubles or your sorrow in this

[cross hatched across the top margin on page one]
[?] I am [?]
you may be sure that
there is [?] [?] in
this world which [?]
[?] [?] ex=
pectation for you–it seems
to me if I could be at home
for a few days only now
with you and our little
children I could be con=
tent for a while at
least–Harrison is
going to start home
this morning and
I shall send this
by him. There is one
thing my darling in your
letter that distresses me
and adds to my anguish
why do you talk of
being [?] if anything
were to happen to you
now I should lose

[[in right hand margin of page 1]
my reason and all hope in this life, God bless you my wife

Edwin R. Page, 1st Lt., 2nd Virginia Cavalry

Page is referring to his wife’s son Robert A. Camm, 1842-1892, a midshipman on the CSS Ellis who lost his left arm in action at Roanoke Island in February 1862, but survived and returned to service. He resided in Lynchburg, Virginia, after the war.

MSS 8937

1862 February 27

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

Wednesday
Feb 27 Rained hard in the night but
I lay comfortable. Phineas was on
guard and to day has gone off to the New
York and has not got back. We went out
into the field to discharge what muskets
had not been discharged, afterwards came
back and have the rest of the day to clean
up and get ready for inspection to-morrow
Have been reading today in “Dunallan.” This
evening Holden has been fiddling, and
there are a couple of negroes have been singing
now. It has been quite a pleasant day and
I have enjoyed Gods blessings very well
though I am not as thankful as I ought
to be in view of His great mercies.

MSS 11293

1862 February 27 [Camp Union]

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

Played for Guard Mounting.
Went to the mill for
bread found affairs in
rather a delicate state.
Herb received some papers
to day very important news
Went with Gillett to the
mill this evening
Mostly clear, cool

MSS 10317

1862 February 27 Camp Franklin, Va

Camp Franklin Va. Feb 27th/62

Dear parents.
I am expecting a letter
from you to night but I cannot waite
to recieve it before writing. It comes our turn
to go on picket tomorrow and I cannot write
again for a week. We have not recieved
that box yet and probably never shall for
some particular reason best know to the
express men When you send my shirts I
want you to take the responsibility upon
yourself in sending it and pay the freight
and have it directed in care of Capt. Bucknam
the other direction the same as you direct
letters and it will come here safe. I think
by enquiring you will find out the reason
why our box did not start from Portland.
We got orders last night to prepare to moove
from this place we shall probably moove
within 10 days to a place somewhere in the
vicinity of Sentreville as this place is
now occupied by our troops but this will
make no difference in sending those shirts

[page 2]
I have got enough for the present so
you need not send many, I have not drawed
any from government for 5 months and I
have now got four pare I have got every thing
else I need I have got two pare of shirts but I
do not like them very well I sold one the
other day for 13 cts. I was glad to learn that
you had taken the N. Y. Tribune for in that
you get the full details of the progress of the
war which I presume will shortly come to an
end, and the soldeirs will return to their
homes crownd with all the laurells of a
victorious army All of the Ramymond
and Casco boys are well except Joseph
Spiller he is quite slim he is now in the
Brigade hospital. We had a tremendous gale
of winds here the other day you will see an
account of the effects of it in Washington
The weather here is again fair and bright
the mud is fast drying up and bids fair
to be good going in a few days. I have no
more particular news to write I thought I would
write a few lines so you might know I
was well I cannot write again for a week
my half sheat is almost filled, and I must
close Your son
Hiram M. Cash
this billet is for Alonzo Strouts Adda

MSS 12916

1862 February 27 Front Royal, Va.

Front Royal Feb 27th 1862

Dear Dick, [Richard Bayly Buck]
Having obtained Pa’s consent to join
the Army I am undetermined as yet whether to in=
=list in the “Warren Rifles” or the Cavalry and I
write to you to ascertain whether your company generally
will reenlist under Capt Simpson or whether they will
enter the Cavalry. Write to me soon and inform
me of such as intend enlisting in the Cavalry so that
I may know which branch of the service to enter for
I of course wish to be in company with my old
friends and schoolmates.

I suppose you have heard
that Miss Kattie has linked her fate with that
of Mr Samuels. Although Mr Samuels was here
for several days before the event nothing of the
kind was suspected until the morning before the
event marriage when the startling intelligence was announced
to the unsuspecting citzens. Thus have all your
Hopes and anticipations (if you ever had any in that quarter) been scattered to the wind.
There is nothing of interest transpiring in this
quarter — the same old dreary Front Royal
with the exception that it is stuck in the mud
about knee deep.
Believe me as ever your sincere friend

Giles Cook Jr

Cook became a private in Co. E, 7 Virginia Cavalry (Ashby’s Cavalry)

MSS 3064

1862 February 26

[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]

Wednesday – February 26/ 62
Weather clear today, but it began
to rain before dark – Had a long
drill this morning, & battalion drill in
the Evening. Norman[?] Fairchild & Harris are
sick today – Rec’d no papers, no
letters today – Wrote to Mr Harvey
& the Columbian Hotel abt my Valise –
Which I never expect to see again – I loose
all the clothes I have worth anything
& my Diamond breastpin, sleeve buttons,
studs, & 2 pkgs of letters – besides
shirts, &c &c. The Cadets buried
their target tonight with mystic honors!
torch-lignt procession &c – they had quite
a merry making over it all – I begin to
feel deserted, two months & no letter
from Sallie! Times look so squally I
have great doubts abt going home before
reenlisting – nous verrons [we shall see] –

me the order to go on “Battalion
business” – Sat up late tonight
getting ready for an Early
start in the morning –

[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 6154