Difference between revisions of ".NTI1.Njkx"

Revision as of 14:18, 30 December 2011

                     Gloucester Point Apr 29th ‘62

My dear Nannie – Yours of Apr [28?]th with Lou’s was received this morning – for which many thanks to both of you. Nothing of any interest has happened here on [on?] the Peninsula, that we know of. We received this morning some very confused accounts about the fall of N. Orleans, which we are com- pelled to believe, and which has discouraged some of our men (I am sorry to see) a good deal. It was nothing more, though, than we might have expected – and while it will doubtless have the effect to prolong the war (and thus makes me feel gloomy/ – yet I think it should not shake our faith in the final success of our cause. The awful profanity of our men and officers discourages me more than the loss of any one or all of our sea-port towns would. I almost feel that we cannot ask, or expect the bless- ing of God on a cause however just while [it?]’s defended by men so profane & blasphemous. I cannot get used to it – it grates more harshly on my ears every day. I do think that it ought

[Envelope]

     Mis-sent                 Postmark
                              Glouce[.......]
                              A[.......]
                               3[.......]
                                   ‘62
                                    VA.

                 Mrs Nannie V. Watkins
                     (care Mr. Jas. B. Danial
                                  Townesville
                                     N.C.

Postmark Tawboro May 6 N.C.

Marginalia – Left side

(Send by [Sap.Fork Mail?])

to be made a special object of prayers throughout by all good people throughout our whole land. There is certainly less of it in our company than elsewhere in our Army, and I noticed it more painfully yesterday in a visit to Yorktown & Fort Magruder than ever before – Everywhere the conversation seemed just the same – a per- fect string of oaths heaped one on another, un- til there was actually no meaning in whole senten- ces. My visit yesterday was the first I have made out of our lines since being here. Several fellows got a furlough for themselves & had my name put in without my knowledge – and I went with them hoping to see Baskerville, whose company is camped about a mile from York. After scanning the fortifications around York, which are much stronger than I had any idea of, and which seem almost impregnable, I went on the look for Baskerville? Just at the gap of Fort Magruder I [crossed?] Ruffin, who took me to B. He was on duty with 1/3 of his company manning the breachworks – they had just been relieved for dinner, & were lying on a sunny hill-side. B came from under an old piece of tent

stretched across a pole, looking as nice & clean, and deliberate as you ever say him. hes taking things very easily – in good spirits, and no one could tell, except from his new uniform, but that he had been in service du- ring the whole war. He will make a first rate Capt. Had a pleasant visit, we talked about our dear ones at home, and I felt as if I could be much better satisfied, if I could be with him all the time. Nat. G. was at Petersbg & Tom [Carnigton?] in [R.mond?] – saw [Lurea?], but wasn’t as much pleased with him as I expec- ted. [Jack?] [Armis?] was doing well with a big flour hol-cake. Saw I Newton, Wm. [Cusine?], Jones, St Lives & other acquaintaces. Baskerville will visit us as often as he can, but hasn’t half the liberty & privileges which I have. I could get

                twice

a days furlough two days in every week, if I were disposed, & [there?] I have many more re- ligious privileges than I had at home, & he has none. I felt sorry for him & would not exchange places with him. His exposure too, to the weather will be much greater than mine. There is a Mr. Ryland (Bro to our 2d

[Envelope]

     Mis-sent                 Postmark
                              Glouce[.......]
                              A[.......]
                               3[.......]
                                   ‘62
                                    VA.

                 Mrs Nannie V. Watkins
                     (care Mr. Jas. B. Danial
                                  Townesville
                                     N.C.

Postmark Tawboro May 6 N.C.

Marginalia – Left side

(Send by [Sap.Fork Mail?])

Lieut) staying in our camp, who has been engaged for some time distributing [...acts?] among the soldiers & leading prayer meetings in the tents – he is a remarkably nice, clever young man – is a Baptist Minister. Our 2d Lt. has been prof. in the R.mond College. I shall always hereafter respect & love the Baptist. I see nothing of their ignorance & bigotry here – No one could tell but that they were Presbyterians – their hymns, prayer, remarks & manner of conducting their meetings are all ours. We had a sermon yesterday (Monday) evening from [Mr Staad?], (a steward) the Episcopal minister who was dragged out of his pulpit in Alexandria for refusing to pray for the Prest. of the U.S. You may have seen some account of it in the papers. He, after much persecution, escaped from Alexandria about the time the Yankees commenced moving their Army from the Potomac to the Peninsula, and was the first man who brought intelligence of it to Our Generals. He left his family in Alexa. & escaped dressed as a sailor or [?] a

                 (5)

great many hair [breath?] escapes, and is now staying with the army of the Peninsula. His daughter a beautiful young girl of fifteen was dragged for some distance through the streets by the inhuman soldiers – he was compelled to leave his family, & thought it would be less exposed to insult and annoyance now he is away, than before.

 There is a fine house in full sight of

our battery belonging to a Tan Farenholt, who is in our army at Yorktown (in sight of his own house) in the possession of the enemy. Mrs. F and her niece, a young lady failed to get off and are in possession of the Enemy, who [respare?] to let them come away. We can plainly see their tents & flag & sometimes see them moving about the house. (Wednesday Apr 30th)

 When over on York I was several times

in less than a mile for the Enemy’s lines, could see them very plainly shooting at some of our pickets, - they succeeded in wounding several the day I was there.

[Envelope]

     Mis-sent                 Postmark
                              Glouce[.......]
                              A[.......]
                               3[.......]
                                   ‘62
                                    VA.

                 Mrs Nannie V. Watkins
                     (care Mr. Jas. B. Danial
                                  Townesville
                                     N.C.

Postmark Tawboro May 6 N.C.

Marginalia – Left side

(Send by [Sap.Fork Mail?])

Tomorrow makes just one month that I have been in the service – and nearly four weeks that the Enemy has been in sight – Every day throwing shell on us. - but as yet they have done us no injury. I think I have received five letters from you since being here. - If you would [..ary? ] mention in yours the dates of those you get from me, & the dates of your visit home it would be more satisfactory. You have several times spoken of a trip home, but Lou says in her letter you have been but once. Tell Charley his letters are as interest- ing as any, - thank him for his little duck feather – make him write again, our boys were much amused at his letter. I will an- swer it soon. Did he get my letter to him. Our steamer commenced running yesterday, & our letters will how come through quicker I hope. The letters mailed [in?] Townesvile & Clarksville always come more direct. All are well & join me in much love to all. Will answer Lou’s letter as soon as I can – but don’t think the girls ought to count letters with me. Tell [] if she will write me a letter, instead of a P.S. I will [deighn?] to notice it. God bless you darling

                                your devoted [?] N.V.W.