Scope and Contents Mentions that they have moved their camp a mile or so and are now on the James River; says that he likes his officers except for their profanity and that his new captain was generous in granting Johnny Booker a discharge and Abe suck leave; requests that she send Mr. Hayson some food to repay him for his kindness; mentions officers again and gives an unfavorable report, but does say that they are pious and allow the men religious freedom; states that things are run more efficiently with...

Scope and Contents Describes a night reconnaissance maneuver to observe the enemies activity on the river (James); says that he enjoyed the experience and getting out of camp; tells of dream he had while sleeping out in the clover which reminded him of home; asks Nannie to write him; inquires after the activities and work on his farm; gives instructions for work to be done on the farm; writes that he is well and describes condition, illnesses and wounds of others; wishes he could be at home; discusses...

Scope and Contents Acknowledges receipt of her letter for which he had been waiting for a long time; expresses concern for her health; exhorts her not to conceal her problems from him; mentions that he would prefer it if she would live at the farm if she is not too lonely as it would be better for the negores; expresses his growing disgust with army life, the injustices and officers failing in their duties to their men; says he is lucky to be removed from the main body of the army because he is able to get...

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Gives more news from camp; acknowledges receipt of her letter of June 19; sends his love to his family and negroes. Letter is virtually illegible; ink is extremely light.

Scope and Contents Tells that his regiment avoided a great battle yesterday which occured 2-3 miles down the James River (one of Seven Days' Battles-- on June 30 June McClennon inflicted heavy losses on the Confederates while withdrawing across the Chickahominy River to a new base at Harrison's Landing on the James) because they were on pickett duty; mentions that there has been heavy fighting for the past week; hopes that they are demoralizing McClellan's army and that this will end the bloodshed; notes that...

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States that he has returned to camp and received her letter; details the battle which raged from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with a short intermission; notes that there is no definite word on the result, but he does not think they gained much; hopes that they will meet again soon.

Scope and Contents States that enemy has been driven back and demoralized; says that losses have been estimated at not less than 10,000; writes that his regiment has not participated in any of the battles; describes a feeling of pain he has due to his separation from his family; wishes the North would realize the impossibility of conquering the South; describes strength of the position of fortifications at Chaffin's Bluff; requests news from home about their reaction to the battles and about the farm and...

Scope and Contents Expresses his weariness with the war and his desire to return home; states that he thought that furloughs would be possible after the battle (Seven Days' Battles) because McClellan's forces should no longer pose a threat; adds that McClellan's forces were not as devastated as he had first thought; discusses the slow mail service; writes that there were no religious services this Sunday; adds that there have been services off and on in the past, but nothing regular since they left Gloucester...

Scope and Contents Acknowledges receipt of her letter of June 19; notes that the difficulty with the mail must be near her; states how thankful and uplifted he was to receive such an ecouraging letter full of news from home; gives thanks that he and their friends have been spared from the battle and sickness; requests that Nannie answer his former questions about the farm; gives detailed instructions on things to be done on the farm; writes that they are now moving one mile to a nicer campsite; believes that...

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Acknowledges receipt of her letter of July 3; thanks her for answering his questions; requests that she answer his remaining questions; writes that it is impossible for him to get a furlough at present because there are many sick in his company and regiment; states that eight men died in the last nine days; adds that most of their men have been absent from home much longer than he has; asks her to kiss the children for him.

Scope and Contents Scope and Contents Discusses his application to Colonel Goode, through his Lieutenant for a furlough; states why it was denied; mentions that he will not despair yet; mentions that he is in very good health and that the new cause of sickness is fever; states that since he cannot come home she must bring the children to Richmond to see him; mentions that they do receive visitors at the camp. Including letter, July 13, 1862, writes of his Sunday spent on watch in the country; laments that he...

Scope and Contents Describes his conversation with Colonel Goode and aborted trip to Richmond in search of a furlough; writes that he has asked Mrs. Howlson to ask the Secretary of War about his case; mentions that after denying his furlough, Colonel Goode made a visit to Mecklenburg; believes that McClellan will make one more effort to take Richmond before giving up, either from the James RIver or from Fredricksburg, or attempt to cut off Petersburg; describes everyday camp life; feels that is a splendid...

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Letter almost completely illegible.

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Describes another attempt to attain a furlough; requests that his wife look into finding a substitute for him as others have them; says he would be able to bear army life better if he could get home for a week every five months or so; tells of his activities in camp; states that the war in Virginia is quiet at this time.

Scope and Contents Discusses his latest attempt to gain a furlough which was unsuccessful; again asks Nannie to seek a substitute for him and also ask her father's advice on the subject; complains about being kept in camp when they are doing so little, only drilling and ditching; states that they have meat about once a week, otherwise they mostly eat bread. Including letter, July 26, 1862, telling of the hot weather; states that the Yankees must be suffering more from it; writes that General Wise would not let...

Scope and Contents Acknowledges receipt of three letters from Nannie in six days; thanks her and reminds her how much they encourage and help him; tells of the captain's brother who has been spending a great deal of time at their camp both preaching and handing out tracks (tracts); describes the rotation of guard duty; writes of attempts to start a Bible study and prayers at night in the tents, but adds that there are too many interruptions to make this possible; describes Sunday's dinner. 3 pp. AL. Including...

Scope and Contents Writes that her letters bring him much joy and that his happiness depends on her; adds that he would love to see Minnie (his daughter) as she learns to walk and talk; states thay he would still rather see his wife than anyone else. Including letter, July 30, 1862, discussing his lack of ability to concentrate due to the crowds of men who often engage in profane talk even though he is in one of the most moral companies; describes being interrupted by the field artillery Wise's Brigade which...

Scope and Contents Writes that he keeps all her letters and often re-reads them when he doesn't get new ones; describes the say as rainy; adds that his tent is often crowded and he is growing to hate crowds; discuss the arrival of some good food; asks Nannie to send him a box of fruit and vegetables from home to Richmond through a friend there; tells the prices of food stuffs which he feels are high; notes that due to presence of a large army in the area it is difficult to obtain food stuffs; Instructs Nannie...

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Acknowledges receipt of Nannie's letter and is glad because she thought that perhaps Nannie or Nathaniel were sick; discusses sickness of their brother, Dicks, also a soldier and illnesses of friends, neighbors, and relatives; describes their new Methodist preacher; states that she likes their refugees very much; discusses crops; sends her love.

Scope and Contents Scope and Contents Relates his growing disatisfaction with life as a soldier, the profanity around him and their idleness during the day; writes that he feels like a dying man who must fight in order to keep from smothering. Including letter, August 4, 1862, mentions again the captain's brother who has his headquarters at their camps and distributes tracks to soldiers; again asks Nannie to send him a box with fresh food which is not available in camp; hopes that Aunt Mary will do as his wife...

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Writes regarding the condition of Henry who is sick; feels that he should stay in camp until he is well enough to travel; gives news of Daniel Booker who is on sick leave from the regiment; states that his is recovering nicely; discusses the prices and condition of crops in the area; mentions his visit to Nancy (Nathaniel's wife) and children; gives his regards to Dock and Sam.

Scope and Contents Acknowledges receipt of several letters; writes that he is on picket to stop soldiers from stealing fowl; describes activities of regiment; likes peacefulness of forest; wishes Nannie could be with him; discusses again whether it is right to get a substitute; says he does not regret joining the Army and that every man should do his part; states that he is happy with his company; desires only to do his duty and then come home not to win military fame; writes of his new found love and...

Scope and Contents Scope and Contents Notes that they have been living better due to some reinforcements from King and Queen County; discusses Nannie's moving to live with her father. Including letter, August 10, 1862, discussing the receipt and distribution of the boxes of fresh fruit and vegetables which Nannie had sent; mentions the Sunday sermon; speaks of a rumor he'd heard that said he had been discharged from the Army. Including letter, Nathaniel V. Watkins, at Camp Chafin's Farm, to his son Charley...

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States that he will only be able write short notes for a few weeks as he will be occupied as recorder for court marshall proceedings with General Evans as president of the court; writes that here had been considerable movements of troops in all directions, but he has not yet heard what it means; describes the passing through of about 140 Yankee officers on their way to be exchanged; sends his love.

Scope and Contents States that she thought he had been sick or transferred to Jackson; writes that she is relieved he has not been; states her gratfefulness for his letters which are so full of love and encouragement; gives news from home, especially of children's activities; mentions that she will attempt to persuade Mr. Hines to go to her husband's camp as a regular preacher; agrees that the Army is a good opportunity to do good; says that the negroes would like to have been at the sermon and meeting he...