Camp within 5 miles of Richmond
Sunday May 18, 1862
My Dear Wife
I had already written a
letter to send of Mr. Ellison, but having received
your kind favor this morning, I will revise and
re-write. Since I last wrote you our Camp has
changed to within the distance above named from
Richmond. We may remain here to-day but we
do not know where we will go a day
before hand. Our march from last Camp
began on Thursday, and quite a march we
have had. It began raining the afternoon of
our march and continued without intermission
during the night. We are just beginning to re
-alize the war in its true and worst phase.
No tents, short rations and many other
inconveniences which you cannot conceive of.
I feel that much that is important will
occur within a few days, the result of which
no ^ ‘one’ knows. Great battles have been imminent
for so long a time that it seems strange
to still express the idea, yet matters are app-
-roaching a crisis which must result favorably
or unfavorably to our cause. If we can
save the city of Richmond our Confederacy is
near its recognition of foreign powers. If
not then we have a rough road to travel.
Very much excitement exists in the city
owing to the appearance of the enemy’s gun-
boat in the river. It comes to us that the
city will be defended at all hazards, and
some even think that should the city fall
it will be burned. As to this I cannot
state, but I do think that the citizens are
determined to make many sacrifices. The
health of the Company is quite good at this time.
By the way Jim Finch came to our Camp the
other day, and is now a member of
our company. He endeavored to explain him-
self concerning the amt. due me, but I did
not urge him to explain, and only ask
him to settle the amt. From your letter you
are no doubt having a lively time in
Winnsboro in way of ladies. It no doubt
makes our little villlage look city-
like. From a letter received from Mr. Elliott
I am afraid that much inconvenience
may arise with you on account of the
scarcity of provisions. I hope for better
than this. We are shorter of provisions than
ever before. It may be as well for Cousin
Anna & Nett to sew at their homes, as,
much trouble might arise from their
having to “trapse” up there each day. Tell
Fee I hope ankles still continue “hearty”.
It pains me indeed to learn of the #
fate of May Jackson. I say fate for such
a term is applicable. In attempting to say
anything of such of serious and deplorable
disaster to a family, words fail me to
convey my true feelings. Mr. Jackson ought
to have shot him any how. I cannot
agree with Cousin James that marriage
under the circumstances was the most
propitious course, yet such may be. Had
I known what I now know, I might have
understood the expression, that she made
use of when I bade her adieu. It was
expressed in a very touching manner. She said
her troubles were heavy, and then gave vent
to her feelings in tears. I think that Aunt
Lou will sink to the grave, a broken hearted
mother. The worlds cares and pleasures are
strangely mixed, but from such instances
can we not learn much that is good.
Oh that those dear little ones that God
has given us may be taken from us,
and may troubles come upon us in heaps
rather than such a fate should befall us
and them. I may be able to get the boxes
from Richmond to-morrow. Johnnie is still
well and looks very well. He sends much love
to all. As my narrative has run out I
must close. Give much love to all write
soon.
Your ever affectionate and loving husband
J.M.Phinney
Direct
Co. “G” 4 Regt. S.C. V
Richmond Va
Give me all the news
MSS 12661