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 Encourages Nathaniel to keep his land soley owned and not to go into partnership; mentions the numerous problems in the area all stemming from sickness and the Yankees; advises Nathaniel on his debt problems; they must all put their faith in God; death is running rampant through areas of Virginia; his own child had died; refers to the effects of the death of General Robert E. Lee; the search for wealth is overshadowing the need for character; mentions his dislike for the new state...

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Refers to numerous family matters and chores; mentions the quiet Christmas they spent; discusses the health of the family; since negroes are moving further south, laborers are scarce; there is a shortage of ice; gives news of schooling in the area; the mild winter was appreciated.

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Refers to the religious revivial in the area; comments on Nathaniel's debt problems; relays family news; drought conditions continue; their sisters are not well and have gone to certain springs to recover; mentions the celebration of their mother's 81st brithday; discusses their garden and livestock; relays crops news; there are a great many deaths around Farmville and Richmond, Virginia.

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Is spending time at the spring to recover from her spell of pneumonia; she has also developed breast cancer but hopes the water will cure it; pleads with Nathaniel to watch over their mother.

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Reports a death in the family; diptheria is taking its toll on the neighborhood; her health is improving; relays family news; mentions the status of their crops and livestock.

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Refers to Nathaniel's school and thanks him for admitting Eddie (?); relays family news.

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They are having trouble filling seats of administration in Formsville; carpet baggers and scalawags are only ones avaliable; gives his detailed advice on raising an orchard; relays crop news; the drought continues; his legal matters are not yet cleared up.

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Was sorry to learn of the death of their child; instructs them to put their faith in God; is concerned with their sister Patty's recovery; relays church news.