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 Relays church news; refers to the well-being of friends and neighbors; home chores and laboring on the crops continues; mentions their daughter Minnie H. Watkins; refers to the emptiness of many local stores; schooling of the children continues; gives details of the trading being done at the "Fork" a local election is taking place; stealing is occuring by the female negroes; updates on their negroes are made; is having problems finding someone to manage the farm another year; refers to...

Scope and Contents Gives details of Richmond's and Petersburg's attempt to feed General Robert E. Lee's troops at Christmas; relays news of his condition to camp; is worried about the fact that their caretaker has been sent into the army; the number of furloughs granted has increased; is sorry to hear of the unrest in the neighborhoods; refers to the desertions being made to the enemy; there is a real need for more horses; asks for many provisions; the army appears to be still optimistic; gives instructions...

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Refers to the fail of Atlanta; comments on recent Yankee advancements; the chase between Early (?) and Sheridan (?) is ongoing in his area; contemplates and reflects on the times they live in; wonders about the success of "Old Bob" (Robert E. Lee) and his tactics of war; refers to the plundering done by Yankees; the cost of a calvary are proving to be too much.