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

Asks advice on certain family matters; relays family news; dyptheria is becoming quite common among children; tells of troubles with certain negroes as well as the use of negroes in fortifying Weldon; relays facts of a neighbor's will, including provisions for his children and negroes.

Scope and Contents

Relays news of brother Dick and his fellow soldiers running the blockade for cheaper provisions; updates her on family news; both the weather and roads are poor; refers to the Prince Edward cavalry and the Lee Guards; the weather is contributing to an increase in poor health.

Scope and Contents

Relays news of their mother's illness as well as other family matters; the poor weather is contributing to an increase in illnesses; refers to the Prince Edward troop and Lee Guards.

Scope and Contents

Fears his children will forget him; writes of the camp surroundings and the "big guns;" wishes his son to learn his letters; has sketched a rough picture of a sickly dog they named Yankee.

Scope and Contents

Concerning his activities at home.

Scope and Contents Is delighted to hear that his wife's health is improving; his chances for a furlough are increasing with the new lottery system; gives details of their shrinking Bible classes and prayer meetings in camp; artillery work is being done around camp; the weather continues to cause problems, especially to their new housing; gives details of the camp's winter provisions; relays stories of his times on guard duty; the size of their company continues to grow; comments on the lack of gentleman...