[from the diary of William M. Blackford, former diplomat, and bank officer of Lynchburg, Va., with five sons in the Confederate army]

Wednesday 5  Occasional rain—River
flooding[?] Long and interesting letter
from Eugene giving account of his share
of the battle.  He was in the hottest of
it–He lost 19 men killed and wounded

and had three balls to pass through
the collar of his coat whilst another
shot away his haversack–He gives
several touching incidents illustrating
the attachment of the men to him now
and his singular influence over them
On calling the roll every man, not
killed or wounded under his own
eye answered to his name–a thing
unprecedented, he says–I hear from
other sources that he behaved with
great gallantry–I never doubted
he would–I think he has all the
elements of heroism in his nature  &
if the war continues he will make
his mark–Nothing very interesting

MSS 4763 

   Camp near New Market
     June 4” 1862
My dear darling wife
I have just recd your
long nice letter sent by Joe Shif-
lett our ambulance driver, and
as he expects to go back in the
morning I will try & send you
one in return.  since my last
letter quite a change has taken
place in our position.  We had
succeeded in driving the enimy [sic]
across the Potomac into Md
but in the mean time two
heavy columns of the enimy [sic]
were moving on our rear from
opposite directions and con
centrating towards Strasburg.  of
course we had to fall back &
that too in a hurry, and
got to Strasburg when the enimy [sic]

[page 2]
was not over five miles from
each side of the same place
In order to hold them in
check until our rear came
up and our trains could be
got off, our brigade was sent
west of Strasburg & met the
Yankeys about 3 miles from
the town where we formed in
line of battle & held them in
check until dark one oclock
when all the force was with-
drawn except the 10” & I re-
mained until near 5 oclock
when I was ordered in.  I mar-
ched in slowly the yankeys
following about ¾ of a mile
in my rear  a mile from
town we again formed in
line of battle & being suppor-
ted by other regiments, the Yankeys
t stoped [sic] & at dark we again
fell back & took the road to

[page 3]
Woodstock, the Yankeys follow-
ing closely  we marched all
night halting just as day
was breaking.  We got about
2 hours sleep, no supper but
a good soldiers breakfast and
about nine or ten oclock
in the morning again took
the road marching very slowly
being much delayed by our
wagons & prisoners.  Our Rear-
Guard & cavalry were fighting
nearly all day and I was very
fearful that we would be
compelled to leave part of our
train but fortunately all went
on well and we cross[ed] the
river at Mt Jackson that day
with our train & yesterday we
came here having destroyed the
bridge at Mt Jackson & between
here & Luray where I learn
Genl Shields is.  How long we

[page 4]
will remain here I cant say
It has been raining on us
ever since we got to Stras
burg with short intervals of
sunshine  the waters are all
very high & getting higher
we have the river between
us and the enimy [sic], but
we have a river in our
rear also and will therefore
be compelled to fight so
soon as the Yankeys cross
to us and I dont therefore
think we will go beyond
Harrisonburg, but there is
no telling where we will
stop  Jackson I suppose
understands his business and
will do all things for the best.
I dont know certainly but
I believe that we have saved
all of the arms, amunition [sic] and
most of the stores won we captured

[page 5]
  our prisoners over 3,000 in
number are now all save &
will be in H Burg to day.  So
I think we have pretty well
secured the fruits of our victory
I tried in Winchester to get
shoes for you & the children
but failed.  I understand you
can get a man by the name
of Vaw Vawters who lives in
Port Republic to make shoes, sup-
pose you try it.  I am nearly
bare footed myself & dont know
how to supply myself.  If you
have sent my trunk to Winchester
it is gone.  I have heard nothing
of it & would rather you would
keep it until our luggage is
taken away if you still have
it  if it is lost think no more
about it.  I got my saddle for
which I thank you greatly

[page 6]
My health has greatly improved
and I think I can now
stand as much as any other
man for I got well in the
saddle at the head of my
regiment with the rain
beating in my face.  Where
ever we stop I will either
go to see you or send for
you & the children.  I dont
exactly feel that we are
going to remain here very
long but dont know where
we are to stop unless it
should be right in H Burg
So Mr Gay brought a great
account of our being cut
off & surrounded & said I
ordered him to leave  So
I did and about a dozen
others, for when we go into
a fight I want all citizens
out of the way  I always tell

[page 7]
them to travel  we dont want
to be bothered with them.  Genl
Johnston used to order them
off.
  I send this by Mr John
Borst who says he will
take your measures to Port
Republic & have shoes made
for you.  Borst is sick
& goes by town for my
accomidation [sic]  keep him
all night & treat him well
for my sake.
  The news from Richmond
is cheering  I hope Genl John
ston will keep the ball moving
& whip them clear out of
the state  we cant hold the
Valley without he whips them
at Richmond, and whip them
he must & that spedily [sic] too
I have no time to write more
  Love to all
    Most affectionately
E.T.HWarren

[The following was written in the top left margin of page 1]

Our baggage is ordered from H Burg
to this place.  this looks like remaining here
some and will call for my trunk if you have it
  I will write
  again in a
  day or two.
     E.T.HW

“Joe Shiflett”, lines 2 & 3 – Joseph N. Shifflett, Regimental Ambulance Driver, previously private, Company I, 10th VA Infantry.


“two heavy columns of the enimy were moving on our rear from opposite directions and concentrating towards Strasburg”, lines 11 – 15 – John C. Fremont, Union general, from the west and James Shields, Union general, from the east.


“our brigade”, page 2, line 6 – At this time the brigade consisted of the 10th, 23rd, and 37th VA Infantry regiments, along with Wooding’s Danville Artillery Battery.


“10””, page 2, line 13 – 10th VA Infantry.


“Genl Shields”, page 3, line 23 – James Shields, Union general.


“Jackson”, page 4, line 17 – Thomas J. ‘Stonewall’ Jackson, Confederate general, commanded the Army of the Valley.


“H Burg”, page 5, line 3; page 6, line 15; page 1, note line 1 – Harrisonburg, Rockingham County.


“Vawters”, page 5, line 10 – Samuel Vawter; listed in the 1860 Rockingham County Census as a 27 year old shoemaker.  Samuel’s brother was William J., private, Company C1, 10th VA Infantry, who died on 23 September 1861 of typhoid fever, Camp Blair, Fairfax Station.


“Mr Gay”, page 6, line 16 – William N. Gay, Harrisonburg merchant.  In April 1861 he had been a contract teamster in the 10th VA Infantry.


“Genl Johnston”, page 7, lines 2 & 3, 15 & 16 – Joseph E. Johnston, Confederate general, commanded the Army of the Potomac.  Warren was obviously unaware that Johnston had been wounded at the Battle of Fair Oaks on 31 May.


“John Borst”, page 7, lines 5 & 6, 9 – John B. Borst, Regimental Commissary-Sergeant.  Borst was born in Middleburg NY, c.1832, and had moved with his family to Page County about 1845.  Borst had previously served as 1st Sergeant, Company K2, 10th VA Infantry, before being reduced to private in the reorganization of the company which occurred in April 1862.  His brother Addison also served in Company K2.


“Valley”, page 7, line 19 – Shenandoah Valley.


“E.T.HWarren”, page 7, signature – Edward Tiffin Harrison Warren, Colonel, 10th VA Infantry.


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

MSS 7786-g

Fort Albany June 4th 1862
4 o’clk P.M.

Dear Wife
                        I have just received your very
welcome letter of June 1st. I have been hopeing
and looking for it all day, although I
received one from you day before yesterday.
It has been raining very, very hard all day,
and consequently rather duller than usual,
but between your letters and the two papers
that you were kind enough to send I
have been able to spend the day quite plea-
santly. I am glad you got my miniature,
and that you, and Ernie knew who
it was taken for, although it do’nt do me
justice.   You wish to know what “Marching
Orders” are do you?  Well I’ll tell you, for
we have been under them, but they are about
“played out” now. “Marching Orders” is to be
in readiness to start, at any moment, day
or night, for any place that our superior
officers, think proper to march us to.
We have been under them, I believe, three

[page 2]
times within the last two or three weeks.
We have to pack knapsacks, and receive from
ten to twenty rounds of cartridges, or perhaps
more, have two or three days rations of food
(more or less) cooked, I believe that was the
“bill of fare” that we had on last “Marching Order”
day excitement.  We had in the fort amunit-
tion for a nine days seige, (extra) and mou-
nted about half a dozen more cannon,
We were mighty glad of the excitement
and wish marching orders would come
quite often, When the gallant 14th has
marching orders and executes them, I think
you may expect to see them with your
own eyes, for, when the 14th Mass Regmt leaves
these forts around Washington, they will leave
for the North and their places be filled by
“Regulars” Col Greene, we believe, likes this place
too well, to be moved from here in a hurry, and
another think, I do’nt believe he likes fighting any
better than a great many others, and another thing
he has I believe a great deal of influence at Washin-
gton, and in other places. (I guess we are all right, as long
                                                 as Col Greene is here.)

[page 3]
You ask me in your letter of May  28th how much
I owe Fitzwilliam, I do not know, but, if you like
you can ask him, I have forgotten, I suppose he will know.
You may if you please, when you see Ellen, tell her
that I have never received any letter from her yet.
If she has written to me, it has been miscarried.
I think I have received all the Postage Stamps, you
have sent to me I received eight from you at one time
a short time since, Perhaps you would like to know
how I spent the three dollars that I kept of my wages.
I spent 65 cts to have my boots tapped, 50 cts for my
miniature, 25 cts for Postage stamps, 25 for writing
paper, 25 for sewing strips on my Coat & Pants
25 towards buying a Coffin for the man that fell
in the well and was drowned, and about 20 cts
for other charitable purposes, a small amount for
luxuries such as milk cheap cakes, &c &c the ballance
I hav e in my pocket, amounting to about ten cts
Do’nt you think I’ve been prudent. I think “you’ll see it”
By the way, Will you please send me one or two, good, first rate
tip-top, steel pens, as, I ca’nt get any here, I dont want any
of the “hand kind.”  Here are two of the contrabands, they
have just come into the tent, after our spare bread.  I have

[page 4]
just shown them Ernie
s miniature, they say
he looks like a “right smart boy.” I wish I had yours
and sissy’s.  You may send them sometime
if it is not too much trouble.  I am very glad
to hear that Mother is getting better, tell
her to be careful and not try and do too
much work but I suppose it wo’nt do
any good to tell her that, for I know
she will work whenever she can stand
upon her feet.  You must set up your
authority and strictly forbid it.  tell her
if she’ll mind you, I’ll bring her home
a Rebel if I can catch one, when I come.
Oh! my jolly, how it rains, and its been
raining so all day, and no prospect of
a fair day to-morrow.  Well, let it rain,
it dont hit us in the tent here.
It’s now getting to be most night, and I’ve
eaten quite a hearty supper, and you know,
one can’t write much, on a full stomach.
and (some can’t on full or empty) so I will
close by saying good night to you dear
Wife and little ones, at home, God
bless, and keep you from all evils,
is the constant prayer of
                                        Robert

Magnolia leaf & Moss Rose
(presumably enclosed)

Robert, an unidentified soldier from Lynn, Mass., in the 14th Massachusetts Heavy Artillery
MSS 1242

Clifton  June 4th 1862

My beloved Husband

I have just received
two letters from you, of the 28th and 29th, and am so
far comforted, as to know that you were well
when they were written.   I am distressed to find
that none of my letters seem to reach you, but
I hope by this time you have received a number–
A strange incapacity for believing that any thing
I write will ever reach you, depresses me, and
makes it seem useless to make the attempt–yet
there has scarcely been a day since you left us, that
a letter from home has not been sent to you.  I will
allow none to pass in future.  Mary wrote to you
yesterday–The constant stretch of anxiety has be=
come very hard to endure–Last night was a
wretched none–My own bodily comfort , was a
sort of torture, by the dreadful contrasts it suggested-
I could not sleep at all, till the  day-light somewhat
reassured me.  I have a letter from Mother

[page 2]
this morning, written with a good deal of cheerfulness.  She
had received a pleasant letter from Alfred, and altogether
seemed to bear up, with spirit & fortitude.
I received this morning a letter of the 31st May,
from Mr. J. Brooks, informing me of the appointment
of Mr. Wm. M. Lewis as paymaster to your fleet; and
kindly offering me any service in his power, as he
would have frequent communication with you,
through the paymaster & his clerks, stores &c., which
might enable him to have information which
the irregularity of the mails might prevent my
receiving.  I wrote to thank him, saying how
gratefully I accepted his offer, to give me any
information about you.  I also enclosed an
order for $400, according to your instructions,
asking to have that amount transferred to my order
at the Farmer’s & Mechanic’s Bank, Georgetown D.C.
as I found that the men wanted money, and the
harvest coming on, while there was but a
small balance left for me at the Bank.
Nothing has been done yet towards making the
hay–Tom Flynn says that, the clover is not
suffering–It is raining hard to day–We have
had wet weather for some time, unsuitable for

[page 3]
cutting grass; it is heavier this year, tom says, than
he has ever sent seen it. He seems to find
great difficulty in procuring men to assist him,
and altogether, I fear, has but little capacity
at present, for managing anything.  As far as
I am capable, I will do all in my power to give
proper directions, but you know, how little I am
without you, to tell me what to do.
Nina continues better, but she still has a bad cough
which troubles me–as much as anything can trouble
me, apart from yourself–Oh my husband,
the the[sic] agony of this suffering is almost beyond
endurance–Generally I can keep calm in the
day but I break down at night–It is so terrible
in the dark, without you.
I hope soon to hear that Charlie has reached you
and is able to be of some use to you–It would be
a privilege to wait on you at least–to attend
to your personal wants & comforts–I have suffered
greatly about the boy–and have been much
harassed by the fear of your disapproval—-
All I can say is, it seemed right, when the step
was taken–Will I ever see you both–well
and safe— My poor aching heart asks no other

[page 4]
question–Ass to what people call, fame, glory, rep=
utation, I despise it all–I have seen enough
in the last year or two to make me understand
its value–and besides, if every human being in
this world, were to unite in praising or blaming
you, you could neither be elevated or injured by
it, in my eyes–Have I not always known what
you are–Only come back to me, safe & well
my beloved Husband–and I will ask nothing
else–I have never had any apprehension about
the safety of Washington, though there was consid=
erable alarm at one time–could I send you any
thing through Mr. Brooks–I am so sorry to hear of
the loss of your underclothing, which must, I fear add
greatly to your discomfort–We are all going on
about as usual–my eyes are very painful and
a good deal inflamed; I shall reserve them now
altogether for writing–May reads me aloud even
you dear letters–I do appreciate the tender care,
which causes you to write so often in the midst of
such pressing duties, and so much discomfort–
Mary and the children send their est love
to their dear Father and Brother–Heaven grant
that I may soon have good tidings from you–
                                    Your devoted wife

unsigned letter from Elvira Ellet, wife of Charles Ellet, Jr. in command of the Queen of the West.

MSS 276

                    2 Miles from New market
       Wednesday 4th 1862  6 oclock PM

Dear Mama
                           We made no charge
yesterday but expected it every our.  Our
cavalry was drawn in line of battle
all the time marched in that way
for we were being shelled all the
time, we have great deal of Cav. 26
Co of Ashbys 6 & 2 Regts too. Our Co &
one other was let in rear
last night to watch the enemy
I wish you could see the rear[?]
brought up it is the grandest thing
I ever saw, prettiest country for Cav
I ever saw, we  have a dressed line
sometimes a mile long.  Capt Tebbs
Dun & Jacobs came in last night
unhurt, Love to all, Your affect son
W H. Burnley

William Henry Burnley, 1840-1919, 2nd Regt., Virginia Cavalry



MSS 7871

Camp two miles from Richmond,
Wednesday June 4th 1862

It is, my darling, a dark, dismal afternoon
now about 3 1/2 o’clock P.M. Heavy rains fell last
night and this morning, from which I was
poorly protected: but through all the
gloom of nature & the discomforts of weather
you sweet face, dearest, is shining on me.
I pine so to see you  that I am often tempted
to ask you to come to Richmond and re-
main a week that I might, after the
labors of the day, perhaps, have an
opportunity to leave the camp and
get by your side and feel your
lovely arms around me.  If for ex-
ample you had been in that City yesterday
and the day before I might have been with
you, darling, last night and the night before.
The temptation to ask you to come is almost
irresistible: what think you of it? Then I reflect
that I know not at what moment I may be
placed so far from the City that I would

[page 2]
be unable to see you, and I know not what
day the fight may rage around the suburbs
and your ears be stunned, and your heart rent
by the thunders of the cannon and the
quick, sharp, ringing fire of the musketry.
Then, if disaster should befal our arms, which
God in His mercy avert, I know not how
you would escape from Richmond to your
home.  Yet despite all this, darling, I
can with difficulty restrain myself from
imploring you to come, so that perchance
I may see you, and trusting you may
escape all the terrific sights and scenes I
have mentioned–would you face all these dan-
gers? I am satisfied I ought not to request
you to leave home now; but it is sad to know
that I am in a mornings ride of you and
yet can’t go to see you.  I hoped to receive
a letter from you to day, but the mail has
not been brought in. Our Quar-
ter Master, who usually brings our
letters from the Office, forgot most
provokingly to inquire today.

[page 3]
The box with the ham, biscuit, bread,
pickle and stationery, was opened day before
yesterday and the contents, except paper and
envelopes, most enjoyed.  It was all in nice
order and to me, dearest, rendered most
delicious by the fact that you, my darling wife,
had prepared and sent them to me. Col. Goode,
Major Phillips, Er. Leigh & several others, with
myself, have enjoyed all you sent.  I will
ask you to send me some asparagus and
onions. I may be able to find butter to dress
the asparagus with, if I can have it cooked
by the wayside.   Put up a bottle of vinegar and a
little ground pepper to dress the onions with.
The paper & envelopes I thank you for. I
have to carry them in my coat pocket.
Dr. Lyle came to see me yesterday.  He ex-
-pressed his intention to wait ’til the battle was
over that he might render any service he
could.   I suppose he would have been out
here to day but for the inclement weather.
How do Willie & James get on with
their books? Tell them I think very often

[page 4]
of them and trust they will be obedient to
you and industrious in their studies. I have
high hopes and expectations of our boys, and
it would be a mercy of God for which we should
pray dearest, that you and I may be spared
to see them grown to manhood and to use our
best exertions to lead them in the paths of
piety and honor.  I am glad to have such
a gratifying account of Frank’s health as you
give me.  Do he and Dick play together now? Is
Harry still as smart as you used to think him?
  Every thing was quiet yesterday & to day
along our lines.  In fact the roads are so deep
with mud & water that it would be difficult
to move artillery.
                            I hate to part with you, my
darling, even in this intercourse of writing.
I seem to see you more vividly, to have you more
distinctly, before me when I am writing to you
then at other moments.  Poor shadow of real
intercourse with you, darling: unsubstantial
visions of you, dearest: but poor & unsub-
stantial as they are, Still comforting, con-
-soling & gratifying to my heart. Love, deep and
ardent, for you, my own lovely wife, is now
a part of my nature, entering into all my
thoughts and acts.  God preserve you to me
& me to you & both of us to one another
is my daily prayer.  Kiss me, tenderly and
long my sweet darling wife. Yr affec husband
                                          John T. Thornton

John Thruston Thornton, of the 3rd Virginia Cavalry, to  his wife Martha Jane Riddle Thornton.


MSS 4021

Richmond, June 4th, 1862

Genl. John H. Cocke
           Bremo Bluff
                         Dr Sir,

                             Your kind favor of the 31st
ulto. was duly received, & we regret not being
able to send the tea–We have none for sale
ourselves, not can it be procured in the city.
The little that is in the hands of the people
here is absolutely necessary for the wounded &
sick soldiers that fill our  hospitals—
     The nails we expect to send by the “Mary Kirk”
now in the Basin—-
           It is exceedingly difficult now to transact
any business–There are very few goods of any
description in the market; it is difficult to get transpor-
tation of any kind, & the hands & hearts of the
people so turned towards the suffering in the
community, that even were there an abundance
in the stores there would be little time to devote
to trade–
            These are sad & heart rending scenes through
which we are passing & the conflict (as far as
we can see) must still go on–May God in Mercy
bring the struggle to a speedy close–Yrs very Truly
                                  John N Gordon & Son
We delivered your message to Mr Smith who
promises to send the balances up—

MSS 640

[from the diary of Dr. Brodie Strachan Herndon, of Fredericksburg, Va.]

June 4  The Yankee bridges
are swept away by a flood

—We had a visit of a week from Brod[?]
in April.  He went from home to join
the Army, and became an Ass: Surgeon
under Jim at Ashland

—-Our sky looks dark–but it
was worse with our fathers in the
76.  Read to mother & girls in the 1st
Chapter in 4th volume of Irvings Washington
describing the poverty & sufferings of
our Army & the difficulties  Gen Washington
had to contend with.  If we are
true t ourselves we cannot be conquered

—-Luc & Mil enjoy their pony-dear
Jim’s gift–vastly–They go with me
on all my country rides.  Little
Mol made nothing of a 17 mile
gallop to Counsin Alec’s  Gen
Patrick gave us passes.  Luc does
not mind the pickets but little M
is nervous.  We pass through the
Enemys into our lines.  Our conquerors
treat us very well.  The soldiers behave
themselves very decently and respectfully.
It is a great nation.  Mr Randolph
omits the prayers for Rulers.  Mat
wrote from Richmond disapprovingly
and said that was not the way Daniel
did–but I think the cases are different

–Bro Johns people have been very
sick with measles–Nannie Gordon
suffered considerably and we fear for her

—All the darkies are running
away.  Jinny went  from Sister
Anns employment

—-Chester Arthur (Gen Arthur)
made us a visit last month, and
was very affectionate & kind
He thought we might be suffering
and delicately proffered aid.  We
told him we forget the General in the man

Chester Arthur, later 21st President of the United States, was an extremely able and efficient Quartermaster in the Union Army.  He was married to Ellen Herndon, of Culpeper, Va.

MSS 2563-b

                                                              June
                                  Richmond Va April ^ 4th 1862

This is Wednesday evening, much more cool & pleasant than
its predecessor, the Day and Col Moore, & Lt. Foster the Exquisite
are here making themselves as agreeable as a moderate degree
of conversation can render them. That last remark has more im=
mediate reference to the last named individual than to
Col. for you know he always does make himself agreeable.
Now that I have discussed those two worthies sufficiently at length
shall devote the rest of my sheet to matters touching home &
its people.  Just at this juncture Cousin Kate came in & tuck her
seat by me, preparatory to demolishing a cup of tea & some bread
and butter, which process she is “ant fait” at. Mggie has taken
the greatest fancy to me & whenever she catches a glimpse of my
uniform or hears my footstep, she instantly cries out at the
pitch of her voice, which you know, is not very weak-for
Ch Tarley as she calls me & will not recieve her quietus until
I make my appearance fully prepared to act in whatever
capacity she may desire.  Mother has been quite unwell to
day–having overtasked herself at the church, making Beds
for the wounded soldiers.  Richmond id a quiet as can be under
the circumstances.  She seems to be relying confidently upon
the skill of our Officers in the field to expell the Foe
& once more restore us to repose & quiet.
Day before yesterday Monsieu Calvert began in the presence
of the Lady portion of this family to abuse Virginia–which
of course, brot down upon his head the most terriffic
                                                                        Gertrude
shower of words, warnings & threats-viz Mr. Calvert ^  I think
you ought to be more guarded, than to speak so despa-
-ringingly of Virginia–in a house full of Virginians

[page 2]
Mr C–I intend to speak, think & act, just as I please.  Well
says Hennie–I desire that you neither, speak, act nor
feel in this house since which time, he has been
respectfully silent.  What brot about this controversy–is
this, Some very smart person has concocted a Parody upon
My Maryland. One verse runs somehow thus.
                     We will not stays & fight & meet the foe
                     Fore we might get shot & killed you know
                                               South
                     But we’ll go down ^ & blow
                     Maryland my Maryland.
I donot think I have it exactly right–but it is somehow
in that style, Gertrude sang this verse over once, not
thinking of Mr C, at the time, but he being very touchy
on the subject jumped at the Conclusion that she (G) was
ridiculing Md. & there began his tirade upon Virginia and
Virginians generally.
                              I have pitched my tent in the yard
         but live as I would in camp
and  ^ Camp life, sleep out there every night, not with
standing the frequent heavy showers we have had–and
have not been inconvenienced in the least–but rather
have been comfortably cool, whilst those in the house
have been very uncomfortably warm.
            Dutchie is suffering very severely with a headache
and I have been called upon to go for the Dr., but feeling
not altogether very well, I sent George.
            Sister you do not know how much I regret not
                     come
being able to go ^ up to Mr Rives when so near, for I
don not know when I shall have another opportunity
If Jackson still continues to be victorious in the SoWest
& Genl Lee whips McClelland’s Army-I shall then have

[page 3]
an opportunity.  Father, I have not heard from since I
have been here, & have myself been so busy – that time has
not been alloted me to write him, but presume he is
well, & Mother has kept him posted & told him of my
presence. Give my love to Mr & Mrs Rives & the enclosed note
to Miss Ella.  You can write to me at Richmond–as I donot expect
to be posted very far from town.
                                        Mr Alexr Rive has sent & insisted
upon the Girls going up–somewhere int he Country and
stay with him–& will not receive No as an answer.
If the girls & Mother can leave town, in the event that
Richmond is shelled–I shall feel better satisfied.
Now don’t think that I apprehend anything so serious to
our comfort here, for Gen Lee, I understand–has issued
an order, that no more retreating, & has left it discretionary
with Colns of Regiments & Brigades, to attack the Enemy
at any time & place he may be found–& to understand
that not an inch must be Crawfished.
All well save those mentioned on the Sick list.
                                        Your affect Bro
                                                   C.

To Mrs Alfred Rives
       Cobham P.O.
            Albemarle Co
                VA

E & O E

MSS 2313 

[from the diary of Daniel D. Logan, younger brother of General Thomas M. Logan, formerly a Sgt, Co. B, 1st Special Battalion (Rightor’s), now with the Hampton Legion]

                        Wednesday – June 4th 1862
Spent this day in the office attending
to business of the department – Wrote
letters today to Sallie to care of Mrs F.
& Mr Hagaman at Clinton La – to father
& to Joe. Capt Harrison still very sick –
Rode out this evening to Head quarters
Nothing doing on the lines but picket
firing – Genl Jos Johnston seems to have
been badly wounded.  He fell from his horse
when shot near the fatal battery & injured
two of his ribs in falling – being insenseable
until taken off upon a stretcher.  Genl Gus
Smith is also laid up with a stroke of
paralesis. Genl R.H. Lee is now in command  
of the Army.  Genl Magruder has charge of
a corps of 3 divisions – I fear it will be some
time before the final battle takes place – our forces
have fallen back to within a few a mile of the ground
occupied before the battle – “Spades are again trump.”
Learned from Mullie that Ebin Coffin is at Dr [Blair]Burrills  


 Father: George William Logan          
Joe:  his brother Joseph Glover Logan

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards; notes by Sally Rice Forsyth Donnelly]
        
 
MSS 6154