1862 March 31 Hopewell, Alabama

Hopewell–mar. 31 1862

Dear master
I would have writen to you
before this-but as Smith
wrote to you after receiving
your letter I thought that I
would wait until the
present time.
Smith left us the 24th inst
for the war. he went from
here to Mobile-we have heard
nuthing from him since.
Mr Powell has sent another
young man down to take
his place. his name is
Sterling N. Haney, nefphew
of Mrs Powell. he seem to
be a very nice young man.
he intend going to the
college as Smith did, but not
untill mr P comes down the 5th of ap.

[page 2]
Cain is still planting corn
he commenced up at Meltan
this morning. The whole of
Meltans is to be put in
corn. they have planted the
Rye field and Evans field
in corn. The weather is now
beautiful for farming and
gardening. Etter is getting
along very well gardening
She has very nice plants in
the flat beds she has peas and
other vegetables up.
The people are all well
at New Hope. they are
planting corn down there.
mr Powell intend planting
but very little Cotton.
none of the people about
here intend planting much
they intend planting the
house field and the
Lawn in cotton.

[page 3]
I surpose that mr powell
has writen to you about
Robt. at New Hope stealing
Capt. Cockes hogs[?] it was a
very bad act in him to do
so-but mr P has settled
with him for it.
Mr Bunden was here two days ago-
he says that he received your
letter and he intends
answering it very soon-
his Family is well
Capt Cocke is not up here at
this time. we are looking
for you to come out here
in april. but as you did
not say any thing about it
in your last letter I fear
that you are not coming.
our neighbour mrs Dufphey
is dead. she died the 2nd inst.
the people all joines me in love
to you. your Servant Lucy Skipwith

Lucy Skipwith was a slave trusted with the management of daily activities and slaves at one of General John Hartwell Cocke’s Alabama plantations. She had been offered her freedom, contingent on emigrating to Liberia, but turned it down, preferring to stay with family and friends, and mitigating when she could the conditions of her fellow slaves.

MSS 640

1862 March 31 Rapidan, Va.

[postscript to John B. Cary’s letter of March 26 and 29]

Mch 31 I have not yet had an opportunity to send my letter as there are no regular
mails here & we have to rely on private parties. Nothing new yet, we still remain here–
We have achieved a most glorious victory in Texas, taking twenty five hundred prisoners.
Stewarts cavalry drove back an attacking force of 8000 at Rappahannock day before yesterday
taking 1 Major, 5 Captains & 22 privates–They were here at the depot yesterday–It is said they
made the best kind of time from Rappahannock to Warrenton with the Cavalry slashing

[cross hatched on page 5]
at them nearly the whole way. I am satisfied that Gen. Joe has them this time. As a Strategist
he has no equal in this Country. Jackson is also giving them fits in the valley. Things look
a great deal brighter just now & I am very sure will continue to improve, so dont let your
fears run away with you, but keep you spirits up, we will come out all right as sure as
shooting. We have again “dawned” on the Taliaferro crowd, in fact we have been there for the
last three evenings. It is a delightful place. Miss Maggie T, my especial is a rapid little thing
with black hair & eyes & a peculiar way of looking & using her eyes, that is very killing–Their
father is Col T–who distinguished himself so at “Carnifax Ferry” If we only stay here long
enough we will have a glorious time. Good bye, love to all, your loving son
J.B.C.

MSS 1415

1862 March 31, Camp Franklin, Va.

Dear parents,

I received a letter from you last night
with one enclosed for Duran, one for Frank Adams with
some verses and some needles and thread for me which I
was glad to get one of the darning needles was large
enough for any kind of sewing I should think you seem to
think I do not get all your letters but I think I do although
once in a while they do not come direct you wrote one a short
time ago I did not get for three weeks with a billet from
Add Strout and a billet for Frank Adams after this I
will put down the date of every letter so you will
know if I get them all and I want you to do the same
I have been writing to Susan and I shall not seal it so you
may read it then seal it up and send it to her the first
opportunity; you will find some good news in it I tell
you it was good to us of Co. K. last night we had a terrible
thunder storm with very sharp lightning some thought it
was the heaviest thunder they ever heard it is cloudy today
and we may have more rain before night. I was glad to hear
of your intention to carry on the farm yourselves this summer
I would not try to plant any more corn than you can dress well
potatoes and oats will grow getter than corn without
manure I know it is no good corn land in the square field
where I suppose you will plant corn it will need a large quantity
of manure more so if you spread it on without puting[sic] any in the hill
but I suppose you will know best what to do about it.

[page 2]

We are expecting to get two months pay this week well
before I mail this If I do I shall send some money
if we do not send it by the 5[th]alotment priviledge as
in either case I will write something about it when I send it
When you answer this letter I want you to tell me as near as you can how
much you are oweing and to who it is due and also what Varny has done about that note if it is not paid and what you know about what Stinchfields folks are going to do about Washingtons farm I want to hear about Henry Jordans clame as soon as you hear any thing about it and all other news you can think of to write any thing will be interesting to me I think you had better keep all the gold and silver you can get or have got and use the bills when you buy any thing or pay any debts I shall try to get some gold to send home when we get paid off if I can.

[letter of Hiram Cash of the 5th Maine will resume on April 2]

MSS 12916

1862 March 31 Orange C.H., Va.

Orange C. H. March 31st 1862.
My Dear Father,
On account of recent irregu-
larity in the mails for several days past
occasioned by the movement of troops
I have received no letters within that
time, and have done nothing in addition
to what I reported in my last.
My men are all anxiously awaiting some-
thing definite, and decisive as well as myself.
They are all confident that I am
acting properly, and express themselves
as satisfied with the Course I have pursued.
I learn that the back mail will be
opened for distribution in the morning,
and I expect then to receive full informa-
tion from yourself, and the Department
which will direct my future action, and
be Conclusive on every point.
Recruits are pouring rapidly
into our regnt, and the Entire army
is alive with the drilling of soldiers,
and other military preparation

[page 2]
the spirits of our troops are high, and
by no means depressed by our recent
losses elsewhere.

[Letter of John Warwick Daniel will continue on April 1]

[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

1862 March 31

[from the diary of Daniel D. Logan, Sgt. Co. B, 1st Special Battalion (Rightor’s), Louisiana Infantry]

Monday – March 31st 1862
Reveille sounded at 6 o’c this morning – Weather
clear again – Had target shooting from
our four redoubts today with a parrot gun –
all bad shots – only getting the range of
the guns. Heard today that Fry was
ordered to report for duty again in the
Company – Some rascals broke in the
Commissary Department & stole a lot of
Coffee & provisions at Camp Rightor
Heard today heavy firing towards
Ship Point – La Gds [Guards] went on picket
guard tonight – Old Dick came in today
from Picket to [-] – This day has been
spent unprofitably – Idled away.
More troops came today – but not
the 7th La with Old John –

[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 6154

1862 March 31 Lynchburg, Va.

[from the diary of William M. Blackford, of Lynchburg, Va., former diplomat, newspaper editor and bank officer, with 5 sons in the Confederate Army]

Tuesday 31

Quarter day and of course the
usual count. Most of my specie being in
sailor bags the task of counting was light.
We got through in a couple of hours in the
morning–various rumors of movements
of troops, and advances of the enemy. Large
reinforecements have gone from Orange to the
Valley, N. Carolina & Peninsula–Troops have
gone also south from Frdbg. This indicates
that no serious attack is threatened from the
Potomack unless Banks advances in the Valley
I have necessarily become very incredulous
as to rumors. I expect every moment
news of great events in the west, where
it is said Albert Johnson has laid his plans
with great skill, and that Buell may be
entrapped–We wait for the news exploits
of the Merrimac–never before did so much
depend upon the success of a single vessel
Recd dispatch from R. Saunders to have a
hack ready at the boat Wednesday morg to
take Miss Smith & party to his house & to
send Mr Granger to Carrysford [?] to request their
young Fairfax shd come in to meet them.
The lowest price demanded for a hack was
12$ for the task As they asked 5$ for a
passenger I did not send one but wrote
to Mrs. S. by mail–Went to the depot
at qr past 8 and staid until 10 when
hearing the cars would not be in until
12 came home much exhausted.

MSS 4763

1862 March 31

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

Monday
March 31
On guard to day at Burnsides
headquarters third relief. Like
the place first rate. Had some turtle soup tonight
from gen. Burnsides table.

MSS 11293

1862 March 30 Camp Rappahannock, Virginia

Camp Rappahannock
March 30” 1862
My own darling Wife
Yesterday morning Genl Elzey sent
me out with two companies to occupy the
ground on the river bank imediately [sic] op
posite the enimy [sic] with instructions to
resist their efforts to cross &c and I
established my head quarters in the house
formerly occupied by Genl Elzey and
deployed my men as skirmishers along
the line occupied by our men in the
fight of the day before [28 March].  about 11’ oclock
the enimies [sic] pickets disappeared & from the
appearance of the smoke of their camp fires I concluded that
the enimy [sic] had fallen back & sent word
to to [sic] Genl Ewel.  one hour later three reg-
iments of our cavalry crossed the river
& found that they [the enemy] had fallen back &
they followed them to Warrenton Junction
taking 20 prisoners & returned yesterday evening
[page 2]
The fight [of 28 March] occured [sic] in this way.  The
enimy [sic] in strong forced [sic] pressed closely
on Genl Stuart & appeared on the
hills on the other side of the river
in a moment after Stuart & his men
had got over and opened on them
with shot & shell.  at this moment
the bridge had just been fired and
might have been carried by the enimy [sic]
but our division was called out
& formed in the high ground on
this side  our brigade resting on the
right & our regiment deployed as
skirmishers.  the Md Reg on the right
left & opposite the ford near the
bridge  Nearly the whole of their fire
was directed against our brigade
and our regiment more than any
other & the right wing under my
command decidedly the hotest [sic].  the
shell & ball flew all around us
It was so hot that I ordered the right
wing to advance & threw them forward
[page 3]
some 30 or 40 yds & thus we avoided
their range  it is most providential
that none of us were hurt while in
this position, which we held until
near dark when two pieces of our
artillery being disabled we fell
back about 1 ½ miles & again formed
in line of battle & there we still
are with half rations & nearly knee
deep in mud.  my men are in better
condition than any of them – all
are under shelter but those on duty
as we were retiring our little Par
son was knocked from his horse by
a shell but not seriously hurt.
I dont know how long we will
remain here – our wagons are at Cul-
peper & I suppose we will soon
join them, but do not certainly
know anything about it.  bad as I want
to get to Orange I dont think we
ought to leave here.  I sent Billy up
yesterday for my horse & clothes  I hope
[page 4]
he will get back tomorrow or
next day.  Dont be uneasy about
me darling, that dont make it any
better.  There is no likely hood of the
enimy [sic] advanctadvancing for several
days to come – they cant do it – in
the present condition of the roads,
nor do I think we can do much towards
getting away  our wagons are ten miles
ahead is one thing in our favor if
any retreat is attempted by us.
  Take care of yourself – be a good girl
tell little Jennie not to cry so much
& Jim & Lizzie not to eat every thing
up so Papa will have none when
he comes to see us.
 Most devotedly & affectionately
ETH Warren
“Camp Rappahannock”, heading – ‘Near Rappahannock Station, present-day Remington, Fauquier Co.’
“Genl Elzey”, line 1 & 7 – ‘Arnold Elzey, Confederate general, commanded the brigade in which the 10th Virginia Infantry served.’
“Genl Ewel” , line 14 – ‘Richard S. Ewell, Confederate general, commanded the division in which Elzey’s Brigade served.’
“Genl Stuart”, page 3, line 3 –
“Stuart”, page 3, line 5 –  ‘Both referred to James Ewell Brown JEB Stuart, Confederate cavalry general.’
“the Md Reg”, page 2, line 14 – ‘1st Maryland Infantry.  This unit served in the same brigade with the 10th Virginia Infantry.’
“our little Parson”, page 3, lines 13& 14 – ‘Joseph P. Hyde, Chaplain, 10th Virginia Infantry.  In fact, Chaplain Hyde was injured more than Warren noted.  In addition to a concussion, his right leg was paralyzed.  Chaplain Hyde did not return to duty until 17 June 1863.  During most of his time absent from the regiment, Hyde served on the staff of the Wesleyan Female Institute, Staunton.’
“Billy”, page 3, line 22 – ‘William Rolston, private, Company H, 10th Virginia Infantry.’
“little Jennie”, page 4, line 13 – ‘Warren’s youngest daughter Virginia ‘Jennie’ Watson, born 26 February 1862.’
“Jim”, page 4, line 14 – ‘Warren’s five year-old son James M.’
“Lizzie”, page 4, line 14 – ‘Warren’s seven year-old daughter.’
“ETH Warren”, page 4, signature – ‘Edward Tiffin Harrison Warren, Lieutenant-Colonel, 10th Virginia Infantry.’
[transcription by John P. Mann, IV]

MSS 7786-g

1862 March 30 Front Royal, Va.

Home, March 30 1862

My Dear Son

For some days past, I have been
looking for an opportunity to write to you
and have learned that Mr Myers will
go down on tomorrow or the next day; and
if no earlier opportunity offers, will
sent this to you by him.

Your letter by Mr Painter was received
and gave us great pleasure; as we
were extremely anxious about you. Not
having heard from you or your company for
some time. You did not mention
whether you had received my letter and
the articles by Mr Harmon. We sent you
by him a Turkey, a bag of Biscuits, 2 cans
of Fruit–Some Peach Leather, &c. Did you
get them?

We have no late news from Alice Irving
& their party–The indications are that they will
soon be hemmed in.

Gussie is still at Col Lance’s and we
have not heard from her since I was down
a month since–We are of course quite
anxious not only about her but about

[page 2]
all the Colonels family—We have heard
that they have lost their servants; but hope
it is not true.

As yet we have lost very few servants
immediately about the town. You have
heard of the general stampede in the lower
part of the County?

Jaquelin has had another attack of
Rheumatism; and has suffered terribly.
He is better–walking about. My health
is not near so good as when I saw you
last–The rest of the family tolerably well–

You have heard of the battle near
Winchester on last Sunday? A gentleman
passed here on yesterday who says the Federal
confess to a very heavy loss–as high as
1400–This is probably far too many.

There is great uncertainty as to the cause
of Jackson’s movement with such dispar-
ity of force. My impression is that he
must have been deceived by an artifice
of the Enemy–

If there is a suitable opportunity, I
will will[sic] send you your money with
this; and your Ma will send you a
Flannel Shirt–She says it is thin &
you had better only wear it while
your other is being washed.

[page 3]
You express the hope that you may be
able to spend your furlough at home.
I hope so indeed but greatly fear
not–If we can only see you alive
and well after this horrid war is over,
I will be fully satisfied–

Your Ma would hardly consent to
my leaving home now–(and indeed I am
almost too unwell to travel) or I would
go to see you once more at your camp–

Front Royal has only been visited
once by the Yankees–I did not see
them; but learn that they were very
polite & respectful. “Porte Crayon” was
the leader of the party–There is great
indignation towards him here–but I
hope he is doing a great deal of
good-by restraining the soldiers–It
is hard for me to believe he is a mere
hireling spy and informer as he is regarded.

Cousin [?] Cloud & Cousin Thos Buck (son
of Cousin John) have arrived from the West–
They propose joining Bowers’ Co.–I have
seen very little of them.

Your request about the articles in Ed’s
box shall be attended to tho’ I greatly
fear it has not been received–
All send their love–God blss you
My Dear boy–Truly your affectionate parent M B Buck

[on cover sheet]
Mr Richard B. Buck
Co B 17th Regt Va Vols

Kindness of
W. W. Richardson

Richard Bayly Buck, 1844-1888

“Porte Crayon” was the pseudonym of Virginia born magazine illustrator David Hunter Strother, 1816-1888. A cousin of Union general David Hunter, he remained loyal to the Union and was commissioned as a topographer in the Federal army due to his detailed knowledge of the Shenandoah Valley. He served on Hunter’s staff and ended the war as a brevet Brigadier General. After the war he travelled out west where he sketched Sitting Bull. President Rutherford B. Hayes later appointed him General Consul to Mexico City.

MSS 3064