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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Has sent him the provisions he requested; suggests he should transfer to the Prince Edward cavalry, under the command of General J. E. S. Stewart (Stuart); relays family news.

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Attempts boosting his morale and advises him on his problems with getting a furlough; fears that the Yankees will attempt cutting off Richmond from the rest of the South; suggests he not purchase any more slaves and instead should invest in land which is more valuable; slaves as a property are uncertain; relays family news, health of negroes and children.

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Relays family news; mentions Brother Dick's opinion of General "J. E. B." Stewart (Stuart) and his raids into Pennsylvania; sickness is hitting friends and family hard; there is a spirit of marrying about; prices for tobacco are high; there is a real need for salt.

Scope and Contents Sees no signs of war ending any time soon, and in fact, the North seems even more united; news concerning his negroes is discussed in detail; obtaining a substitute does not look possible at the present time; their new housing has been completed; they are starting up a literacy club to pass time; the weather is getting worse; discusses his limited company duties; describes the court in which he works, speaks of slave use in camp and at the court; relays news of friends in his company;...