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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Relays details of a visit by relatives; recent deaths and illnesses affecting friends and family are discussed; facts concerning the schooling in the area are given; refers to the numerous soldiers killed in "the Battle" (of Gettysburg); relays church news; mentions that state of their vegetable gardens; hopes he is over his chills.

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Is quite worried about the sickness prevailing within her family; distemper; has killed a great number of their cows and oxen; their crops are suffering as much as she assumes they are in North Carolina; refers to the neighbors aiding them with their recent problems; relays news of visits by family and friends.

Scope and Contents Ransom (?) has driven the Yankees from Weldon (?); is becoming increasingly impatient for the end of the war; they have heard gunfire nearby; the war effort is not going well; refers to a gunboat battle on the James River; recounts again how many of their friends were killed in the Battle of Gettysburg; hopes for an exchange for those soldiers who were taken prisoner; believes the South must once again renew their faith in God if the war is to be won; refers to the upcoming "fast day" and...