Camp near Richmond
June 24th. 1862
My Dear Father –
The letters which you
spoke of in your note by Mr. Thurman as having
written me have not yet come to hand
and with that exception I have had no
direct intelligence from you since your
return to Lynchburg. I understand however
to what source it is attributable, and
shall patiently await until the mails are
restored to some degree of order and regular-
ity.
I am sorry to say that I have been
unable to render Mr. Thurman any as-
sistance of worth value in processing the
substitution of his son. Mitchell was
quite willing, & indeed desirous to recieve
the person presented as the substitute, but
Capt. Atey did not feel satisfied of his
reliability, & declined to accept him.
Many cases have occurred of the deser-
tion of substitutes, and unless the one
proposed can produce convincing testi-
monials of his Character it is seldom
that he will be received. Mr. Thurman
has not yet despaired of success, and of
course I shall be pleased to aid him in
any way in my power to further his purposes.
[page 2]
Sarah I am glad to learn has succeeded
in passing all of her examinations, and
will receive her diploma at the approach-
ing Commencement. She seems to be qu[ite] [page torn]
devoted to her studies, and evinces a
steady improvement.
I was quite mortified to see in
a recent paper an account of Mr. Elle[page torn]
participation in the Capture of Memphis.
There may be some excuse for him being
as he is of northern birth, of nation-
al sentiments, and with his pecuniary
interests linked with the perpetuation
of the Old Union & for Charles however
I can see none. Although I have here to
fore felt an affection for him which
far exceeded that which would be expec-
ted from the our relationship; I can now
remember him only with detestation.
His conduct is unpardonable, and
can but produce a total, and eternal
alienation between us.
Coln. Funsten is gradually recover-
ing from his wound. The ball, which turned
out to have been a minie was extrac-
ted about a week since and of course
he has experienced considerable relief.
It is thought however that it will be
yet many weeks probably several
months before he will be able to resume
his duties with the regmt.
[page 3]
He enquires after you whenever I visit him
and desires to be remembered to you –
The great battle before Richmond so
long deferred, & anxiously awaited is
still a thing of the future. Yesterday
it was thought that to day would certainly
witness it, to day it is thought that tomor-
row, will be the chosen day. Of Jackson’s
whereabouts there are many rumors &
conjectures, the general impression being
that he is at or near Hanover CH, or
farther advanced towards the Enemy’s
right. It is certain that he has arriv-
ed near our lines, and it seems
scarcely possible that many days can
intervene before he cooperates with
Lee in making or repulsing a general
attack. Our Division remains still
in the rear and will operate as the
reserve of the right-wing when the
engagement occurs. It will accordingly
probably fall to our lot to put the finish-
ing touches to McClellans defeat – to wipe
out the remains of Hills & Huger’s
slaughter.
Stuart I understand has left
for Nelsen in Charge of his brother
William. He was doing remarkably
and his recovery without serious suf-
fering, or injury seems almost beyond
[page 4]
per adventure. He retained his usual
cheerfulness, and the progress of his treat-
ment, and of the healing of his wounds
was eminently satisfactory.
I have at last succeeded in procur-
ing myself a suit of handsome mili-
tary clothing of course at enormous
prices, and have am now well
equipped in every respect –
Mr. Granberry remains with us and is
well –
Remember me to Ma, Mrs. Cabell
& the remainder of the household –
I saw Wood Bou[ink spot]in yesterday. He expec-
ted to be appointed an adjutant of
one of Genl. Pendleton’s battalions, and
had his recommendation for this
office.
Very Affectionately,
Your son
Jno. W. Daniel
[ This must be Wood Bouldin, Jr.. VADC to Rodes during Seven Days.
John Warwick Daniel, 1842-1910, Co. C, 11th Virginia Infantry, attained the rank of major before being permanently disabled in the Battle of the Wilderness. Studied law at the University of Virginia, entered politics and served in the Virginia House of Delegates, the U. S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. Called the “Lame Lion of Lynchburg,” he was a noted orator who gave speeches on many memorial occasions and was especially know for his address on Robert E. Lee.
[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]
MSS 153
