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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Relays news of family visits; refers to health conditions; the Prince Edward County, Virginia cavalry is on display; gives update on crop conditions; insists that Nathaniel takes care of his tobacco; relays news of the commotion being caused by the freed negroes; are having many problems with the Yankees; likes President Andrew Jackson better than President Abraham Lincoln; Johnson understands the negro.

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Relays farm news; health problems are prevalent in the family; children's progress in school is continuing; refers to religious event taking place; bankruptcies are spreading.

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Is worried and anxious to hear from her family since the war has ended; relays news of sickness in the family; gives miscellaneous family news; life after war is rough; salaries are smaller and prices are higher; puts her faith in God.