Front Royal March 10 1862

My Dear Richard

Mr Jno Simpson has very politely of-
fered to bear a letter to you; and Iwill not let so favorable an opportunity
pass; altho’ I have but a few moments
Your Ma & Cousin Etta[?] started to see you
on last Saturday, but learned at Linden
that the cars would cease to run after
that day and concluded to return.

I regret it both on their account and
Cousin Willie’s [?]

The children are all well again-
which is a great relief in this time
of troubles–We have no special news
from Walter–He was well at last account.

Gussie is still at her Aunt Catties[?]
I must refer you to John for the local
news–will write you more at length
by the next opportunity

We are probably about to be separated
for a long time–it may be for ever–
Do not forget your home your family
and your God–There is much I would
like to say to you if time allowed
but I can not now–May God bless

[page 2]
and watch over you!

Your Ma & the children write with
me in messages of love–Write fre-
quently and fully when-Ever you stop-
and if you get sick let us know
when you can–Is there any thing you
want? Truly Your Affectionate
Parent
M.B.Buck

Mr. R. B. Buck
Co. B 17th Regt Va Vols
On road from
Centreville

Politeness of
Mr J Simpson

MSS 3064

[from the diary of Eliza Oswald Hill, refugee from Wilmington, N.C.]

Monday 10th Not being able to obtain better accommodations
elsewhere we have engaged board for a month here–Our
landlady is very generous–kind and obliging and tho’ there
are many things unpleasant about a hotel in a village still
these distressing Wartimes we must learn to accommodate
ourselves to circumstances–and be thankful that we have
a house to shelter us–As many families are on their way
to Chapel Hill now who have lost their all–Liz and Eliza
have been reading Dombey & Son this afternooon while I
have written home–It has been raining all the morning–
we have had many visitors since we came some dozen ladies have
called

MSS 6960

[From the diary of Samuel Johnson, private, 1st Massachusetts independent light battery]

March. 10th 1862.

All night long great activity and
excitement prevailed, orderlies were
flying in all directions with orders
to move at daylight, [ ‘in the morning’ lined through]
At three A. M were turned out, and
by six were on the move for the
boasted stronghold of the rebels,
Manassas. By 10. A. M the entire
army was in motion. moving in
three separate columns., Gen Slocum’s
Brigade and our battery having the
advance of the center column.
Arrived at Annandale at noon where
we halted for a rest, at one P. M
moved on again. At 4. P. M arrived
at Fairfax Ct. House, here we went.
in to park and encamped for the
night. The weather has been very cool
and unpleasant. Toward night quite
windy.

[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 8493

Monday March 10, 1862.
Dear Father ¼ of a mile from Warrenton
I did not write to you at any usual time in consequence
of being on a march & could find no opportunity. This is
our fourth days march on our retreat. I suppose
the whole Potomac army is falling back. A part of
General Kirby Smiths division is now passing thru
Warrenton – all for what I know. Our entire brigade
left Leesburg Friday. Had three fine days for marching, but
to day it is raining. We march by easy stages. Our retreat
from Leesbg. is not, I think, in consequence of the immediate
presence of the Enemy, but a general contraction of the
lines of defence & is therefore of course without panic
or disorder. To see the spirits of the army one would
not think we were retreating – Especially but alas we
are on a retreat wh: would be unnecessary if the whole
south did her duty, or even if we had no traitors
among us. The Yankees are said now to be in
Leesburg & arresting secession citizens. I can write only
a line. I am writing under some rails covered
with straw wh: I have just put up to protect me
against the rain, while so doing & while we have stopped
to have our horses ^ ‘ shod’ or rather one or two shoes put on.
I have not suffered any from the marches, of course
as they are so moderate. I received your letter
yesterday at the Plains. We came thro’ Middleburg – you

[page 2]
can thus judge pretty well our direction. Our
destination I have no idea of. Some say it is
Culpepper C. H. others Gordonsville. All these are
merely conjectures. Dearest father I have time
to write no more. Give my best love to all.
Yr son,
W. H. Perry Jr.
I can ge[t] no Envelope without this bombas on it.

William Hartwell Perry, 1836-1915, Richmond Howitzers, after the war a Virgnia lawyer

[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 7786-d

[from the diary of Joseph A. Waddell, a civilian of Staunton, Va.]

Monday night, March 10, 1862.

Further accounts from Richmond confirm the re-
ports as to the exploits of the Virginia, at Newport
News, but we have no authentic particulars. The Rich-
mond papers bring a Proclamation from the Governor
calling upon the militia to go at once to various
points named and report to our Generals. The forces of
this country to report at Winchester. The Confed-
erate authorities have called for 40,000 men from
Virginia, and cannot wait the opiration[sic] of the
law lately passed by the Legislature. All around the
horizon our affairs look gloomy. Immense
numbers of the army are threatening us at every
point. The Winchester stage brought word this even-
ing that things were quiet at that place on Saturday
afternoon, but three large bodies of the enemy were
approaching from different points, and we have no
force adequate to meet them.

[transcription by the Valley of the Shadow]

MSS 38-258

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

Monday, Mar. 10, 1862

Have been trying
to receive quarters all
day &[?] not succeeded
very well
The two remaining Com-
panies of the 30th left and two
Companies & K of ours came
in Rainy

MSS 10317

[from the diary of Jesse Calvin Spaulding, Co. F, 25th Massachusetts]
Monday
March 10
Slept first-rate last night. They
say orders have come to start
to-morrow. A mail is said to be round
here somewhere. Had an inspection of
arms this afternoon. Had a good talk
with Frank Adams, and also read some
in “Judahs Lion”

MSS 11293

Monday 10 To my surprize[sic] found it raining
hard last on waking. William left us at 8 am
to join his company in Richmond. He is a true
soldier, but he suffered much in parting with
his family. They will stay with us for awhile.
he looks five years older than he did when
he entered the army. He has won reputation
and seen hard service–Had large correspondence
in Bank–wrote also to Lewis–Letter from
Charles. He had not at the date heard of
the death of his child. He was at Leesburg
& Junction We have at length trustworthy
accounts of the exploits of the Merrimac, or
Virginia–She went out of Elizabeth River
Saturday about 12 m. ran up and got be-
tween the Cumberland frigate and the
Congress frigate–both first class vessels &
the crack sailing vessels of the federal navy
She greatly damaged the Cumberland, by two
or three shots and then ran into her, and sunk
her. the Congress then tried to escape by running
ashore. After being fired upon and damaged
she struck and her crew were made prisoners
Next day the Minnesota steam frigate of
the first class came to the rescue, but got
aground. She was riddled by the balls
of the Merrimac and subsequently blown
up by the enemy to keep her from falling
into our hands–a steam tug sent to her
assistance was blown up by a shell from
the Merrimac. The St. Laurence, and the
powerful frigate (sailing) tried to get up
but grounded fortunately for her. This was
not all. The famous Errickson[sic] battery,
of which we have heard so much, it seems
had just arrived at Fortress Monroe. She
went up & had a fight with the Merrimak[sic],
who made a dash at her & punched a
hole in her side which caused a rapid
flight. The Merrimak[sic] returned from her
brilliant cruise of some thirty hours, to the
navy yard, unhurt. Capt. Buchanan and
Lt. Ro. Minor slightly wounded. the Patrick
Henry & James Town and their gun boats were
assisting in the fight. Our total loss on
the whole of the vessels was 9 killed and 12
wounded–among the killed was Mid. Wm
Hutter, son of Sextus Hutter of Poplar For-
rest, Bedford, a fine youth. The crew of the
Cumberland met their fate gallantly
and went down with their vessel. The
annals of naval warfare show nothing supe-
rior to this. Could the Merrimak[sic] have gotten
near enough to the St. Laurence she too would
have been capture or sunk. Three of Three
of the finest vessels of the federal navy
with a steam tug destroyed–Their [?]
revolving battery dreadfully damaged–four
or five hundred men killed or drowned- &
all with no loss on our side, were the results
of the first aggressive movement. I hope it
may be followed up. It will produce quite
a consternation in the North. Nothing could
have been more unexpected–They had been
led to believe the Merrimac a failure
I heard with great pleasure that the
train had been replaced on the Charlottes
ville road.

MSS 4763

Richmond Mar. 10, 1862

Cousin James

I read the letter addressed to
Greenlea & myself this morning. I
am glad that you are all well &
sorry that I cannot see you again
before going permanently into ser-
vice. You know that I am not a
person of great professions & assure you that I
feel the separation from what has
so long been a kind & pleasant
home, more than I care to express
in words. The organization of our
regiment is impeded by the Colonel
& Lt.Colonel being both detailed
on special duty–the first as Provost-
Marshal & the second as Instructor
of Field Artillery. I presented to the
asst. Secy of War this morning a list
of staff officers nominated by the Col.
& hope to have their assistance in a day or two.

[page 2]
Among them is John J. Waggoner
as Quarter Master. He will make an
excellent one & I have busied myself
specially to secure his appointment.
I dined with him on yesterday &
upon his telling me that he had saved
a small quantity of excellent
smoking tobacco from which I
might help myself,I immediately
claimed two pounds of it for you.
If you are likely to come down at
any time soon I will keep it till
you come–otherwise I will seek
some opportunity to send it yo you.
Tell Cousin Hannah that so soon
as I find time I will hunt up a
box of candles for her. She will
remember that I promised to do
this much at least in acknowledge-
ment of her much kindness to me,
whenever I should be “placed.”
The sword I wrote you about I shall
not need, I believe, but the belt I

[page 3]
do & will need greatly. I cannot
get one like it at all or one that
suits me so well. Tell Henry to get
it for me in some way, & do you have
it sent to me by the first safe oppor-
tunity. I wish too you would send
the cavalry holster pistol of mine
at home. I wish to have it percus-
sioned & Dimmmock says it is worth
a dozen revolvers. I have been very
lucky in my outfit–having drawn
a fine heavy revolver this morning
without any money to pay–& also pro-
cured a neat[?] dress sword, recap-
tured from a Yankee at Manassas
which I have the use of free of expense.
Besides the money in your hands, I
Have a balance in Bank for which
I should like to have a certificate
of deposit so that I can have all my
cash funds in hand here.–On Saturday
I donned my uniform which is very
handsome & “people” say becoming. It has

[page 4]
any quantity of gold lace on the sleeves,
with scarlet cuffs & collar & a glittering
star or two on the latter. So you can imagine
that with the mixture of gray, red & gold
I cut quite a dash.–Of course you
have heard of the great & glorious naval
success in Hampton Roads. Three Yankee
vessels destroyed–the Cumberland sunk
with the loss of all on board but 23 men,
the Congress burnt: & the Minnesota run
ashore & burnt this morning at 4 oclock
by the Yankees to prevent our getting her.
She cost $2,500,000 without her armament.
The total money loss to the enemy is not less
tha $15,500,000 & probably 1500 lives lost.
The Ericson floating battery too make sift
& the “Virginia” is mistress supreme in those
waters. You will see the Governor’s procla-
mation of today calling out the militia.
The Gen[eral]. Ass[embly]. has been trying, as Genl Cooper
says, “to find a soft place to fall in,” has
been abusing the Governor in secret session
& seeking to escape responsibility for its own
gross negligence & incapacity–but the
President’s call puts the burden right on
their shoulder & justifies the Executive
completely. Wonder what the assembled
wisdom will say now! I am sorry that the
militia has to be called out in this way–as it is
a very confused, disorderly, inconvenrient, expensive
& destructive process–but the Governor had no
alternative & when they reach their rendezvous
a draft must be made which will relieve a
great portion of them. Love to all at home. In
haste yrs truly James B. Dorman.

James B. Dorman, 3rd Regiment, Virginia Light Artillery (Local Defense); Dorman, 1823-1893, lawyer and Mexican War veteran, of Rockbridge County, Va., had been a delegate to the 1861 Virgnia Secession Convention.

MSS 1707

Sunday [sic] Mar 10 1862
at Capt Longs
Near Spotsylvania CH

My dearest Georgia

I arrived here on yesterday after
a hard ride from Mr Mortons in a heavy rain.
I think it rained more copiously than I have
seen since last April even small branches
were nearly impassible. I have no doubt but that we
shall have a moderate freshet–I was well protected
and did not suffer from the rain–I shall look after
some business here to morrow & hope to get[?] for back at[?] Mr
Mortons on the same day. The present indications are
that the Rappahanack will be made a line of defence
Gen Holmes with a good force is at Fredericksburg
& if the enemy attempts are advance attack well meet them
over about Potomac Creek where there are some strong
positions, confidence is some stat restored there & Many
from Stafford & other counties north of the river have been
removing their servants Mr Canning here from Culpeper re
moved all of his excepting a few old ones to the [hole in paper]
River, though negroes are beginning to run off [hole in paper
Orange I do not apprehend any loss & shall next [hole in paper]
any move at the present unless Jackson is badly beaten
in West Virginia which may compel a retreat. I do not
think there will be any advance in force on the
position at the Rappahnannock. Our troops are fortifying
about Uncle Williams both[?] above & below him The old
gentleman (uncle W) intends to stand his ground.

[page 2]
I expect to commence gardening soon as
I return home after the weather will permit
but I have done nothing as yet, indeed I do
not feel any interest in the matter & have entirely
forgotten all about it. I have only been at home
a short time since you left but have missed you
very much, out chamber does not wear the same
cheerful aspect it did when you were there & I do not feel
so anxious to return when I get off–so I
take the opportunity of transacting all the
business I can away from home–I ought to
stay here several days but I cannot tell for with
certain certainty — I do not think you need feel
any anxiety about your home the chances are
against being disturbed there.
Your letter was very gratifying and I am
particularly pleased that our boys appeared well, take
good care of them my dear Georgia & if any thing
serious happens to either send for me–dont let Bryan forget
me I intended writing to Culpeper for Fanny to come over
[hole in paper] with us in any event-=but I found I could not
[hole in paper] it. We had no mail for several days.
[hole in paper] my best love to [?] if she is with you & also to your
Father when he arrives I should like to know when he will
come If I can fix my business soon I will come
over for a day or two & perhaps extend my visit in
the direction of Fredericksburg Lynchburg–Kiss the boys
& for yourself accept my dearest love Your most truly
A.G. Grinnan

Dr. Andrew Glassell Grinnan, 1827-1902 to his wife Georgia S. Bryan Grinnan, 1837-1912.

MSS 2118-a