[fromt he diary of Matthella Page Harrison as transcribed at a later date]

This has been a sad day to me.  I have been looking over old letters preparatory to burning, since the raid of the Germans who scattered relics to the winds desecrated what had been hidden from the eyes even of the family.  I thought it best although it wrung m heart to do so and seemed like a complete severation from those dear ones in heaven whose written words are all that is left of their deep, warm affection. Oh it is a sad thing to be left the last one in the homestead that once was vocal with tones of love and merriment, some in the silent tomb. The others may be at this moment on the battlefield, the iron hail of the foe raining around.  God have mercy upon them, in life or death take them for thine own.  And another, not a brother but who was like one and made life’s springtime and noon tide brighter,  I heard today is gone from earth.  Julian Carter. As I write his name his image, replete with lighthearted merriment, comes before me and I cannot think him dead.  A private in Letcher’s guards, the only one killed in the fight of Malvern Hills on July 4th. The awful message comes with dreadful distinctness, but if God was with him as his spirit winged its way from the dreadful carnage, he is at rest while we mourn on for a few more ears.  Our term of probation is only a little longer.  God give me grace to improve it.  We drove to Berryville this evening to hear news but heard none. One of the Winchester pickets was shot last night.  They avenged his death by burning the house of the offender.  Winchester is still inaccessible.

MSS 9759

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

Thursday 31 Heavy rain story about day
light–rained slightly nearly all
day–Dispatch dated yesterday from
Gwatkins–Eugene still sick with
fever and disordered bowls–afterwards
another telegram of today, saying
he was much as he was yesterday ex
cept that the bowel complaint
had been checked & sent Pleas out
to Flat Creek on Eugenes horse to carry
a telegram from Richd Davis.  If
he is not wanted by Eugene I should
send him back until E is ready
to take the field–Letter from Mr.
Gwatkin repeating his telegram I
think Mary or myself will have
to go down–very hard doing work
Called in the evening to see  Tom [Miller?]
who is doing well

MSS 4763

July 31st
Camp near Madison C.H.
Dear Sister
       I will attempt
to write you a few
lines in addition to
what is enclosed to
let you know that
I am well and in
good spirits except now
and then, when we
were short of rations
which is very often

[page 2]
As we are now across
the mountains we have
some prospect of rest
soon. It is reported that
the yankees are occupying
their old ground on
Stafford heights if so
I suppose we will
move towards Fredericks-
burg before long.
We were all glad to
get east of the Blue

[page 3]
ridge this time for
we think times will
be easier than in
the Valley.  The sound
of the railcar whistle
is a  great relief to
men whose appetites
are sharpened by hunger
it betokens more to
eat and of a better
quality.  I received a
letter to day by A Smiley
in which you said
for me to write if
I needed pants but
I expect to draw a

[page 4]
pair soon and then
save the risk of having
them sent to me while
we are not settled
I was not surprized to
hear of Miss Jennies
marriage as Lieut Carson
had told me of it before
I received your letter
But I will now close for
the present by asking
you to write soon and
let me hear all the
particulars. nothing more
but remain as ever
your brother
                   T.M. Smiley
P.S. When you write let
me know whether ma got
the letters I sent Her. T.M.S.

Thomas M. Smiley, Co. D, 5th Virginia


MSS 1807

Camp near Mechanicksville
July 31. P.M. 1862

Dear Charley:
    I have broken my trunk key
& in consequence have to write with pencil,
a plan I once affected, but now condemn–
I have the pleasure of sending herewith your
application duly signed, & I hope you may
speedily effect your purpose.  You must now
get an approval from the Officers of the com-
mand you propose to join. The case is decided
by Gen. Lee, so the adj. at Ten Jackson’s head
quarters told me this morning.  I am sorry
to lose you from this corps, as I can be with the
21st frequently, but I highly approve you join-
ing the cavalry; & then, besides, you will be with
Jenny, & probably nearer home. We are now
pleasantly encamped near brethren Good-
man, Quarles, et idomne genus, &
invitations abound, some of which I ac-

[page 2]
cept.  I have daily worship, but dont
do much visiting among the men–Sundry
things & specially my diffidence pre-
   doing it to much purpose
vent ^ We are not having drills since we
came here, abut courts of inquiry, inspec-
tions, reports, & a general righting up of
of things–Everything is rather dull–While I
was at your Reg this A.M. I witnessed
one fisticuff, & an Irishman bucked for
getting drunk.  Just now two Louisianans
were marched by here to Gen. Ewell, bear-
ing two sides of a shoat they had killed-
They were sentenced to wear the meat round
their necks till it smelt.  No one under-
stands our late move, but most regard
it merely strategie–I suppose it has
reference to Pope’s taking command of the
“on to Richmond army.” Nous venions.  If
you want me to furnish you a horse, let
me know, & I will see  what I can do.
If you all write at once, send to Gordonsville
Love to all. Your loving Bro George

[in top margin page 1]
Hill’s division has come, & I learn others are coming]

George Taylor, Confederate chaplain, brother of future Wake Forest University president Charles Elisha Taylor


MSS 3091

[from the diary of Matthella Page Harrison as transcribed at a later date]

Cousin William Whiting was here this morning before breakfast.  Prayer meting at Mr. Clark’s.  A large attendance.  We hear Jackson is advancing in three columns on Pope’s army, with whom he had a successful engagement this week.  I heard this evening of a singular dream of a man in Richmond.  He dreamed he would die at four o’clock the next day, that on such a day the fiercest battle of the war would be fought at a place called Gaines Mill and that peace would be declared in three months.  He did die at the appointed time, the battle was fought, but peace has yet to be declared.

MSS 9759

                                           Camp at White House Farm
                                                July 30th 1862

I received last night, my darling, your letter dated the 25th
and it was most welcome to me.  It had been so long
since once of your dear letters came that I was fear-
-ful some sickness had prevented you from
writing.                The barrel of ham was brought
safely to me.  I have had one cooked & find it
very nice.                              I notice all you say in
reference to the messages from Maria concerning the
employment of the overseers &c.  I wish I could visit
you & Cumberland & make the arrangements for working
the plantations another year, but I dont see that
it is possible.  You must write Maria that she
will have to make the bargains.  I will try &
write to her to day.  If under other circumstances I
could procure leave of absence yet  I cannot
while Col. Goode is sick, & I am in command of
the Regiment ask for it.  I heard yesterday that
he had a leave of absence for thirty days & wd
start for home this morning.
     I have money in Petersburg, & so soon as I
can learn the amount, & I will write them to day,
& will send a check which you will please
deliver to Col. Baskervill.
                               I trust your fears as to our
means of subsistence failing will prove ground-
-less, but one of the most serious apprehensions

[page 2]
I have had  is as to the difficulty of feeding our
army.  I hope for the best & think our country
ought to be able to sustain the men who will be in
the field for her defence. As to the time when the
war will end I do not think however sagacity can fix
a period to it.  We can only trust in God & do our duty.
                        You say if I am again in camp near
Richmond & write you a letter of tender entreaty
you may come to see me, & unless I need you
very much I must take care how I write. Darling, I do
need you: never did an infant need its mother, never did
the eye need light, never did the body need food, more
than I need you, my own, my precious wife.  I some
-times feel as though I was famishing for need
of you, and I know you cannot refuse my earnest
cry and will come to my piteous call.
                 So soon as I collect my pay for the time
now due me I will try to send you four hundred
dollars.  I send enclosed some pictures
of Genl McClellan brought here by the
Yankees that may amuse the children.
      Kiss Mary & Alice for me & tell them
I love them very dearly.  Kiss the children
for me.  Love to Mrs Riddle.  Remember
me to the servants.
                I have written in the midst of
constant interruptions.  Farewell, my
darling wife.  I kiss you most fondly, & pray
God that he will at all times watch over & protect
     & guide aright you & myself & our children
                                  Yr affec husband
                                       John T. Thornton

John T. Thornton, University of Virginia alumnus, lawyer and Captain, Co. K, 3rd Virginia Cavalry


MSS 4021

                              Ordnance Bureau
                     Richmond July 30th/62
Prof. S Maupin
             University of Virginia
                  Charlottesville Va
                         Sir
                           I beg to acknowledge
the receipt of your favor of the 15th inst.
         Steps have been taken to improve
the quality of Nitric acid made at the cf[?]
Laboratory, upon information of its impu-
rity conveyed in your letter.
                      The Bureau will be glad to
receive the Fulminate of Mercury mentioned.
                              Very Respectfully
                                      Yr obt servt
                              J Gorgas Colonel
                                 Chf. of ordnance

MSS 4707

[from the diary of Jesse Calvin Spaulding, Co. F, 25th Massachusetts]

Wednesday
July 30
Cleaned my gun and played
chess and backgammon and
also read a book which I got at the chaplains.

MSS 11293

                                                                                     Camp near Mechanicsville, Va.
                                                                                         July 30, 1862

Friend Will  [William McCauley]

I suppose you have been looking for a reply from me for some time.  But this is the earliest opportunity since the reception of your letter.  Although dated May the 22nd, it did not arrive till a few days since.  We had been looking for a letter from you for a long time, and wondered why you did not write to us.  But we are satisfied since the arrival of your letter that you wrote in due time.  I have nothing of interest to write to you now, I have to resort to my old song, of moving about, performing toilsome marches, and of the hardships of camp life in general, all of which you are doubtless well acquainted with.  I rejoined the Reg. in the Valley and we have had but few days for recreation since.  It has gotten to be a very common thing to receive orders to cook up 2 days rations and be ready to leave at daylight.  Our trip to Richmond was a very laborious one, having had to perform the most of the trip on foot.  As soon as we had arrived within 6 or 7 miles of Richmond, the miseries of battles commenced there, and during our stay, we were going almost continually something night and day.  After the fighting was over we remained incamped there a few days and were ordered to this place. Since we came from Richmond, we have moved 4 different times.  Once we moved out as we supposed, to meet the Yankees, who were said to be advancing within a few miles of Orange C.H.  But when we had gone within a few miles of that place, we received intelligence that the Yankees were leaving.  We were then ordered to camp again.  It may not be long before we have an engagement near this place.  I know not where the enemy is, whether near here or not, but troop[s] seem to be concentrating to t his place.  I believe Gen. Hill’s and Whiting’s Divisions have lately arrived here.  Our Division is very much wearied and exhausted.  I think it would be altogether wise and prudent to let us rest a few days and recruit up.
It may be possible that you are looking for a faint description of the conduct and movements of our army on the plains before Richmond.  But knowing that you have long since received information through the press or some of your friends I feel that a repetition will but weary you.
It is enough to say that we repulsed the enemy at each engagement and were successful in gaining possession of the field, and finally drove them back and compelled them to seek refuge beneath their iron clad boats.   Our Brigade was not in actual engagement, but exposed to a great deal of firing.  We were ordered on the field on Friday the 27th, but before we got within shooting distance of the Yankees they fled from the field.  Our brigade then encamped on the battle field amid the groans of the wounded and dying Yankees.
The following morning was the most trying of all.  When daylight dawned and we we were ordered away and wended our course through the bloody field, was a scene the most shocking to humanity.  A scene inconceivable by the human mind without the sense of sight.  I hope I may never see another.  But enough of this.
Our Company has reduced very much since our recruits joined us.  Very few of our recruits are with us now.  They are scattered in almost every direction.  Some at the hospitals, some at  home and some dead and some absent without leave.  When were were in the Valley at one time, our co. numbered 115.  Now only 47 men are reported for duty.  34 are absent sick and about 12 absent without leave.  the most of these absentees are composed of our recruits.  Our old mess are all well and would be pleased to see you all well and would be pleased to see you down on a visit soon.  Can’t you come?   They all join in sending you their love and respects.  I want you to write to me as soon as this arrives.  Excuse this badly written letter for I was compelled to write it in haste.
                                                               Your true Friend,
                                                                      J. P. Houtz

James Philip Houtz, Co. E of the 42 Virginia (Dixie Grays)

MSS 14953

Camp Near Harrisons Landing Fa July 30th 1862

My Dear Mother–your letter of July 11th has been receivd it gives me pleasure to know that you are all well at Home since we have been here, I have received so many letters that I can scarcely find time to answer them all & have to do the best I can I have delayed answering yours for this reason, I had eight letters to answer which came all at one time three of them was from Father, I thought if I answered those of Fathers it would do for you both, untill I got some of the others off my hands we have been at work about all the time since we arrived at this place & have not the rest the papers talk about so much we may stop here sometime proberly untill fall although we may leave here at any  moment, there is A rumor that our Corps (Porters) are going to reinforce Pope if this should be true, it would suit the Boys first rate perhaps you think I talk wild when I say this army is loseing confidence in Genl. McClellans ability to end this next Campaign succesfully although the papers say he is Idolized by the men such is not the Fact, the men think more of Genl Heizleman than any other Genl  in the Army next to him comes Genl Kearny.  I hear Genl Heitzleman praise by every one. I honestly beleive that if he was made commander of this Army, it would be receivd with great delight, I may be mistaken but I think not, I see Joseph quite often as we are near together he looks in good health, you say you wish our grub was better, well if I have wished so once I have A hundred times  I want something that tastes good, I have sent home for A box, & I hope it will come the men have Just begun to recieve boxes from home yesterday two of my Friends received boxes with good things to eat & I had A feast for once if you can contrive to put something in that box it will be very acceptable I think I have eaten my peck of dirt, I think you would you would [sic] go without eating your dinner if you had such as we have sometimes & cooked in the same manner, I shall be glad when this war is ended & I am able to return Home to sit down to A good dinner once more. I think I could enjoy A good dinner first rate I can eat salt fish & taters now, once I would turn up my nose & say fish, neither would I grumble at corned beef & cabbage well what is the use I cant have these things but I think of them often it gives me pleasure to receive so many letters from home, it shows although I am Far away I am not forgotten, I am always impatient to receive my letters, if I dont receive four each week I imagine something is the matter with the folks at Home, I wish I was Just at there. I think I could get A commission in one of the regiments now forming, if there was any one at Home that would interest themselves about me, to A commission, I know that if four more Regiments are to be formed there is A good chance for A commission, but as there  is no one to interest themselves, why I shall have to remain A Private but stop I have been promoted only think I am A Corporal, I should like A commission in the 17th if possible to get one but if not in any of the Other Regiments hoping that this will find you enjoying good health, & that I shall again have the pleasure of seeing you all once more in Old Portland I remain
Your Son Geo W Leavitt

Letters from George W. Leavitt of the 5th New York and his brother Joseph of the 5th Maine were copied into a ledger by their father John in the fall of 1865 as a remembrance of them.  Both boys died in the war, George at 2nd Bull Run and Joseph at Spotsylvaina


MSS 66