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 Is very concerned with the fact that his wife has been ill; seeks his wife's advice in many matters; while there is an abundance of clothing, the scarcity of shoes is an extreme problem; unless he receives a furlough, is determined to leave the service; continued improvments in camp are carried out; is quite critical of certain commanders; describes religious activites in camp; relays news of his tobacco crop and its going rate; still eager to sell some of his land and pay off his debt;...