Telegram          Jan  13- 1863 
                  Mrs. W H Locke                       
Care   Jno Martin

Fort Gaines – Ga    January 13th  1863
     Mrs W H Locke
     I will be at Home
     tonight by eight (8) o’clock –
                  W. H. Locke

William H. Lock, Eufaula Minutemen and later the 7th Alabama Cavalry

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 13485

                                    Drapers Valley
                               January 13th 1863
Dear Cousin Minnie,
                               Most cheerfully do I
fulfill the promise I made one who has
ever maintained a scrupulous promptitude
in the fulfilment of her promises to me. –
The three days of grace allotted to delin-
quent debtors have scarcely elapsed since
I last saw you but I hope that these
lines will not be less acceptable to you
because penned at this early date.
And having thus prefaced what shall
I say? My journey hither can furnish
nothing on which to frame a lengthy epistle
No hairbreadth escapes or thrilling adven-
tures occurred to disturb the even tenor
of my solitary, monotonous buggy-drive,
nothing greeted my eyes worthy the pen
or pencil of the illustrious Porte.
But whilst my physical self  was for

[pge 2]
the most part inactive I c annot
say so of the mind that plastic power
which is ever busy in constructing and
re-constructing, in building & destroying
its varied forms of creation.As I counted
off mil after weary mile, the busy, turning
brain was at work, and fancy’s airy
fabrics arose as if by the wand of the
enchanter and were as speedily dissolved
again.  Thought oscillated from “the
grave to the gay, from the lively to the
severe” Nd more than once did it grav-
itate to a central object – which object
I shall leave you to guess.  Of one thing
I can assure you, that in all my mental
vagaries there were no might schemes
produced worthy the warrior’s bold emprise
or the statesman’s sage deliberations.
They were as unsystematic n their arrange-
ment and, I fear, as pointless in their
morale as these lines which succeed
each other across these pages.-
Here I imagine you to make use of a

[page 3]
gesture and exclamation of im-
patience at my prodigality of words
and economy of matter.–
As one item of news (but perhaps from
already being heard by you it has
lost its startling character) I will say
that a small body of Yankee cavalry
made a raid into Monroe Co. a few
days ago.  They penetrated that county
as far as Centrreville about 32 miles
from Chrisiansburg upon which place
it is though they were marching.  My
informant stated there were about 150.
The citizens through here are fearful
the attempt will be renewed with perhaps
better success.  I hope they won’t catch
Will before he gets home.—
I presume you recd the note I
sent you.  I would have liked to have conveyed
it or its contents in person if time
& circumstances would have permitted.
I suppose you are now meditating the
expected trip.  I hope that it may be

[page 4]
a period of unalloyed enjoyment
(if that is possible) that you may
receive a cordial welcome at every
fireside you may visit, that you may
meet with many long absent but highly
cherished friends and finally that you
may return in health and safety to
greet those equally dear whom you
have left behind.–
It is growing late, for courtesy demand-
ed that I should spend sometime
with my host in converse.  Please ex-
cuse if I am not as lengthy as I would
wish to be – for I assure you I know
not how to spend time more pleasantly
than I am now spending it, unless it were
to converse with you in propina persona.
I would like to receive a letter from
you beforre I return, but consult your
own convenience in the matter.–
I shall nevertheless, as I stated in my
note inquire at the Newbern office.-
Now I commend you into the hands of
Him who sendeth his angels to watch
over and preserve the upright.–
Most Sincerely
Yours
Porte

William McCauley “Porte” of Co. E., 42nd Virginia Infantry to his future wife Margaret Jane “Minnie”

MSS 14953

[from the letterbook of Captain Thomas J. Linnekin]

                                                U.S. Steamer “Currituck”
                                                            Indian Creek, Va.
                                               January 13 th 1863

Sir
                                 I beg to report that I left Dividing
Creek this Morning at Daybreak for this place, in
Search of a Canoe which Escaped us a that time of
the Capture of the “Hampton.”  On my arrival here
I discovered one supposed to be that I was in
Search of.  I could discern at a distance two men
on board.  discovering I was in pursuit they run
her ashore and took to the woods,  not before the
party I sent on shore for their Capture had fired on
them but without success.  I found only two
Barrels of Whiskey on board.  I have every reason
to suppose the rest of her light Cargo was thrown
overboard.  I put the whiskey and Canoe on
board the “Hampton.”

                                             Very Respectfully
                                                    Your obt Servant
                                                       T. J. Linnekin
                                                   acting Master Comdg.

To Commodore
    A.A. Harwood
Comdg Potomac Flotilla
           Washington
                            D.C.

MSS  15134

Miss Lucy [Shelton]

Your letter of the 6th commencing with an
apology for such an early reply came to mine of 16th ult.
came to hand on Sunday last. No apology was needed
for so doing as it a good evidence when a friend an-
swers a letters soon, that they appreciate them. My almost
never failing habit is, to answer all of my correspondents
immediately or within two days time after the receipt of a
favor from them. My duties in the quartermaster department are
rather onerous. Maj McLaws finding out my business ca-
pacities during one month stay with him, has turned over
all of his papers to me, and placed a young man under me
for an assistant. It is the first time I was ever “Captain of
the waiters” except when the partners of the Bank in which I was
employed were absent. The situation I have is indeed a most
pleasant one–made more agreeable by the interest major McLaws
takes in me, and his efforts to make me comfortable. He
has given me a tent to myself and a nice large stove to keep
me warm while writing. All I want now is my valise of
clothing, of which I shall make mention after while.

I have regretted that I did not send you a fuller and more
lengthy account of the late battle of Fredericksburg, since you
seem to have been interested in the brief account given.  I’ve
been into town several times since I wrote to you, and witnes-

[page 2]
by my own senses the damage and destruction done
by the vile yankees.  It seemed incredible to me upon the
affirmation of others, but I can truly state that they
did not relate the half.  Words are too inadequate to
give a just and accurate account of all of their work.  The
most of it was done during the first night after they
came over.  Surely God visited them for it, heavily too,
on the next day.  The battle field was a most horrible sight,
literally covered with dead men and horses.  Although
we have had rain twice or three times, still as you walk
over the battle field you can see the stains of blood
on the ground from their dead and wounded.
You refer to my “particular friends” pleased at their escape from danger
They were none of them in danger but mother and father to be, who
fortunately did not get hurt.  When the[y] heard of the interest I
took in getting them out of town, Mrs H. expressed as much joy at
meeting me as if I were “her own son.”  Wonder if she would say
that now knowing as much as she does.  Miss W. objected de-
cidedly to telling her mother, but I ventured to demand that it
should be done by her.  I informed her mother of the engagement by
showing her a portion of ther letter where she mentioned having
sent me her picture.  If my good Major McL. will give
me leave of absence to spend a day or two with you I will
bring it down to give you a peep at it.  It is good & excellent,
but still does not do her justice  The principle beauty is not
exhibited in her features; it is in her heart.  Her character is what
is most lovely.  Nevertheless she is good looking, I think. I will
hear what you have to say when we meet again.
I am going to venture this by private hand.  Mr or rather

[page 3]
Serjeant Harris goes out to-morrow morning on a foraging
expedition and says he is going to Frederick Hall, and from
thence through Louisa.  If cousin Matt has not sent my valise
to Richmond she can give it to him.
You do not like long letters I believe, so will not trespass
longer upon your time.  It is moreover late a[t] night and I wish
to scribble a few lines to dear Cousin Matt.
Miss Lelia Hart is here, and I have seen her very often.  She
has done a lot of sewing and reknit a pair of socks for me.
She is very kind and good hearted and offers to do anything I wish
in the sewing line.___ Miss Bettie Goodwin is at Mrs
Thos Goodwins, in Caroline Co.  I was mistaken about her being
near your neighborhood.
What is the message you have to send to Miss M?  She would
not “think it strange.”  She shant do so, so let me have it
I still adhere to my old opinion in regard to the dura-
tion of the war; yet I confess there is more room for hope
just now, for peace than I have seen since the war began.
Still I do not look for it soon, only in this way: – when it
does come it will be sudden and unlooked for.  O! but I do
pray with all the fervor of my trusting heart, to the Ruler of nations to
grant us peace.  He will answer our prayers n his own good
time. –Sister Maggie has not mentioned lately anything about her
visit to the old dominion. I have not heard from her lately.
I hope that you have had a happy new year.  Like yourself
I commenced the new year with more serious thoughts of the future.
I hope that cousin Matt is quite well again.  Write soon
Sincerely  your friend
James W Beaty
I would write you my reflections on the new
year, which is the opening of my journal com-
menced the 1st Jany 63, but for the length and seriousness.

MSS 6830

[from the diary of Sgt. Robert Larimer, Co. C.,  62nd Regt., Ohio Volunteers]

Tuesday, January 13, 1863
Relieved of guard. got a pass
from 9 Oclock A.M. to 12 M.
went to Nebern took a stroll
through Ft Totten  company drill
dress parade very warm Thomas
Osborn Col. of 39th Illin appointed
brigadier of 2d brigade 3d division
18th Army Corps H.S. Williams ap-
pointed brigade commissary of 2d
brigade &c — warm

MSS 38-129

[from the letterbook of Captain Thomas J. Linnekin]

                                                U.S. Steamer “Currituck”
                                                            Dividing Creek Va
                                               January 15  th 1863

Sir
             I have to report the Capture at 2 O’Clock
the Morning of the Schooner “Hampton” of Baltimore
Capt. Wm. Rowe laden with a quantity of Miscellaneous
Freight too general to enumerate,  I send you a supposed
tally of the Cargo,  also a large quantity of documents
& money found in the possession of the Prisoners.
The trunk marked R. S. Izard was found in the
Main hold broken open.  I forward it to you as
we found it, taking the precaution to seal it up.  my
reason in doing so, was owing to the large quantity
of small articles I found in it, also containing as
I am informed by the Surgeon some Valuable Drugs
you will find the hatches of the Schooner also sealed
there a quite a number of small & valuable articles
in the hold.
             I beg to refer you to the Cabin Boy Alex.
Webster he can give you considerable information as
to the Cargo &c
             I send the Money, amounting to $787.85
& Promissory Notes Amounting $1650 & 41 Dollars in
Charge of the Paymaster Frank Clarke of this Vessel

                                             Very Respectfully
                                                    Your obt Servant
                                                       T. J. Linnekin
                                                   acting Master Comdg.

To Commodore
    A.A. Harwood
Comdg Potomac Flotilla
           Washington
                            D.C.

MSS  15134

[from the diary of the Rev. Francis E. Butler, chaplian of the 25th New Jersey]

Tues 13.  Unwell   rose abt noon, cloudy mild, letter fr. Mr H –
visited hosp –

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12935

[from the diary of Captain William F. Hunter, Co. B., 97th Ohio]

                        Jan. 13th, ’63.
Up at 1 o’clock this morn-
ing, & started at 2.
Marched through town,
re-crossed the river at the
place of crossing, traveled
over fields & through the
woods and by by-roads,
in a South Westerley di-
rection, until about 4
P.M. where we came to
a halt, on the Nolans-
ville pike about 3 ms. West
of that place, to make some
coffee & eat dinner. Our
force consisted of 9 reg’ts.
inf., 2 batteries, without
caissons, and a consid-
erable body of Cavalry-

from day light until
our halt at 4 P.M., I had
my Co. deployed as flank-
ers on the left flank of
the reg’t. After resting about
an hour, we started again,
& moved to within about
½ mile of the town, where
we halted & encamped for
the night. It rained a
little during the night.
Saw no enemy.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 10547-bm

[from the diary of Joseph Addison Waddell, former newspaper publisher and civilian employee of the Quartermaster Dept.]

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

Tuesday, January 13th – Spent today at Prospect Hill with Cousin Mary N and Cousin Evelyn  Lee.  Firing heard in the direction of Winchester but we can hear nothing of the cause.

MSS 9759