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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Is worried about the late snow, which is proving harmful to their livestock and planting; whooping cough is running rampant among the negores; and they are beginning to get ill as well; relays family news; understands brother Nathaniel V. Watkins has bought a furlough; gives account of brother Dick's (?) charge of a regiment of Yankees; has heard news of friends in the north; refers to the gratifying tobacco prices in the region.

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Comments on making it through the extremely harsh and wet winter, which has put off planting; understands he has received a furlough; they are having problems with the spread of whooping cough.

Scope and Contents Gives a detailed account of brother Dick and his brigade's attack on a Yankee party; this attack was under the command of a General Fitz Lee; refers to a battle at Kelly's Ford, where the Confederate troops did not fare so well; relays news of family and friends, including those who have been wounded and killed; refers to charges made by the Prince Edward Cavalry, and the reactions made by General Jeb Stuart; the family is suffering with colds and the whooping cough; the children, especially...

Scope and Contents Is upset that he has not received a letter from her as of late; fears the problem lies with the postal service; bustle and confusion are present in his quarters; changes with leadership are occurring in camp; the Confederate army is in desperate need of naval officers; has been in the service for a year now and is growing quite tired of army life; desperately wishes war would end; relays news of certain camp members; gives details of recently received packages from Richmond; receives a...