Scope and Contents From the Collection: Letters, chiefly 1862-1865, written by Nathaniel Venable Watkins to his wife Nancy Daniel Watkins. During the Civil War, Watkins served with Co. H, 4th Virginia Heavy Artillery, which became part of the 34th Virginia Infantry Regiment. Watkins appeared to have saw little combat, spending much of his time in defensive positions guarding artillery batteries. His unit was stationed at Gloucester Point (during the Peninsular Campaign), near Richmond (Chaffin's Bluff) and near Petersburg. His...

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Due to the weather, the camp, especially the roads, need work; has cut down on his chewing of tobacco at his wife's request; provisions in camp continue to worsen; he refuses to eat any of the meat supplied to the camp; due to the weather and condition of the roads, there is little movement among the armies; have kept the enemy in check during the winter; the cases of diptheria have begun to lessen, and he hopes his family is doing well; planting in the surrounding area has begun.

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Regretfully informs him of the death of their son Charley R. Watkins.

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Relays news of health of family and friends; is concerned about Nannie V. Watkins and her health; the children there are finally getting over the whooping cough, but now suffer with cases of chicken pox and scarlet fever; the planting of their crops has begun; gives details of a cavalry unit from South Carolina which was stationed near their home; speaks, in detail, of a southern sympathizer in Baltimore.

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Was sorry to learn of the death of his son Charley R. Watkins, but is happy to hear that his daughter Minnie H. Watkins was feeling better; gives details of how Nannie V. Watkins is reacting to Charley's death; is grateful that God has spared his own family.

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Was very sorry to hear of Charley R. Watkins's death; the children there have nearly recovered from the whooping cough.

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Informs him that their orders to evacuate the bluff have been cancelled; expresses his regrets at Charley R. Watkins's death; wishes him well and hopes he enjoys his stay at home.

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Attempts desperately to console him; knows how he feels, because her child Lilie (?) also has passed away; hopes the area's health will improve with the coming of warmer weather.