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...

Scope and Contents Was shocked and upset to learn of his son Charley R. Watkins's death; attempts comforting Nathaniel; writes of his service in the cavalry and the state of the Confederate troops; states what a great negative effect the death of General "Stonewall" Jackson has had on the army; gives details of General "J. E. B." Stuart and his attempts to raise a large cavalry force, including his own, the Hampton brigade, and Fitz Lee's brigade; writes of the difficulties in acquiring newspapers; it has been...

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Insists that Nannie come and stay with her; relays news of the family; the children there are getting well again; writes of the religious services held in the area; the crops in the area are suffering from a lack of rain; it's been very cool and dry; it seems to be more difficult acquiring furloughs; is having trouble getting summer cloth woven in time.

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Hopes Nannie V. Watkins will come for a visits and that he will be able to join her; a hailstorm has damaged the wheat and watermelon crops; the corn crops are doing well; the health of the family is generally good; states that she will be sending him provisions.

Scope and Contents Scope and Contents Wishes to visit her sister-in-law Pattie Watkins but thinks it wise to wait until late July or August, when they should be over the whooping cough; their daughter Minnie H. Watkins had again taken ill but has fully recovered; have commenced cutting wheat but the rain is slowing them down; the crops of corn and pumpkin are doing well; refers to soldiers running the blockade and confiscating Yankee provisions; relays news of family and friends; the neighborhood id getting...

Scope and Contents Gives details of his return to camp following his short furlough; travelled with 500 Yankee prisoners which were to be exchanged; refers to the Yankee raids in VIrginia; his duties in camp have increased; the victory at Fredricksburg was both a boost and damaging to the Confederate troops, due to the death of "Old Stonewall" discusses his chances of acquiring another furlough; refers to the dependent condition of their negroes; all the men in camp are in fine spirits; wishes to invest his...