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 Scope and Contents Relays family news; gives her reactions to the fall of Vicksburg; refers to the wet and warm weather which kept them from working on the crops; due to the rainy weather, the rivers are impassable; gives details of a company of soldiers and their stay overnight; one of the neighbor's negro woman has run off; have commenced weaving their cotton; are experiencing little ailments, but are generally in good health; wishes he would visit. Including letter from Millie Watkins, to...

Scope and Contents There was a massive transport of Confederate troops to Richmond, due to a new Yankee advancement on the capital; refers to a Yankee attack of a bridge over the Southhanna River; does not speak well of the general in charge at Richmond; fears Richmond may be taken; states that Southerners are much too secure in their thoughts and actions; is hopeful now that Robert E. Lee has entered Pennslyvania; gives details of a North Carolina cavalry unit's stay at their farm; Robert E. Lee's invasion of...