Camp near Winchester
Friday morning, Oct 24, 1862
My own Ella,
Sitting on his bed of hay,
with his bundle of bed-clothes for a desk, warmed
by the sun that shines on his tent, and writing to the
darling of his soul–such is the “situation” of you
“dear friend.” I have no news to tell–no thoughts to
give, but only the same tale of love and devotion. You
will not find it a wearisome repetition–will you?
–I have been interrupted by a call from bro.
Martin of the [1st?] Va. So you see that I too am lia-
ble to be arrested in letter-writing by visitors. But
I resume the pen gladly, so soon as relieved.–I
shall hardly be able to suppose a sad feeling of dis
appointment, if the post-boy do not bring me a letter
from you this evening; and if one come not to-day
or to-morrow, all my “philosophy” will fail to pro-
tect me against a restless and troubled spirit. Your let-
ters have been prompt and affectionate; and they
seem very refreshing. I must confess my gratification
at the tender care you already indicate concerning
my health and safety. If ever disposed to be negli-
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gent of myself, the knowledge of your interest in
me will serve to correct the indifference. Yet, my
dear girl, there is no cause for any painful solici-
tude, I have oil-cloth, shawl, two blankets, tent
and everything necessary to guard me from wind,
cold and rain; plenty of bread and beef, and a
good appetite to enjoy it; health, strength and cheer
ful spirits. I am among friends who are ready at all
times to do me any kindness I need. There seems no
prospect of battle soon–perhaps, none this fall and
winter. And I trust to be in Danville or on my
way from Richmond thither three weeks from to-day.
I believe that I will write my application for a fur-
lough this afternoon, and forward it to-morrow if
I get a letter from you of the right sort–that is,
telling me that you share my own desire for our
union at the earliest practicable day. You will think
that my generosity is setting before you the evils of the
event to yourself amid the trials of war and in
leaving it to you decision whether it should be
posto\poned,was very short-lived. I do sincerely and
deeply cherish solicitude on you account; but never
the less I am so selfish as to long for the day, and
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to hope that you will take the same views and indulge
the same feelings as myself touching it. How much
of my happiness, darling, is in you!
Clothing and
money for the troops are coming in. the papers do
well to urge on the people the duty of considering the
necessities of the army and providing for them. They will
need socks and blankets and other articles this winter.
These cold nights they lie down by a hot fire, and
sleep comfortably. But this will not answer in bad
weather or in the steady, piercing cold of winter.
I can give you no information about the move-
ments of the army, except that we are quiet at
present. Gen. Lee reviewed our division Wednes
day–that cold, blustering day. I did not attend.
I preached in the 7th Va. last night, and expect to
preach in the 56th tonight. I can find plenty
of work in the different regiments.–I will quit
writing now, and finish early to-morrow morning, in
time to send the letter to Winchester. I hope that I
will then have one from you to answer.
[letter of the Rev. John Cowper Granberry to his fiancee will conclude on the 25th]
MSS 4942
