.MTE3Ng.MjExNQ
28 June 1862
Powell Papers – 65 P875, Box III, Folder 1
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I have written you a terribly long letter Nina
and shall expect one equally as long and a
great deal more interesting. Frank sends his
love to all and says tell Cousin Nina
that he recd a very sweet Gordonsville June 28th 1862
letter from his Dear Addiu a day or two ago.
My Dear Sister
I received your very welcome
letter, (written from Mr Redds) some time
since and would have answered it long
ago, but did not like to write until I
knew what I was going to do, as I would
not be able to tell you where to direct
a reply. I have just gotten a situation
as clerk in the Quarter Masters Office,
under Capt Irwin, a first cousin of
Ma's I believe, at least he says he is
So hereafter until otherwise amended you may direct your
letters to me care of Capt Irwin, A.Q.M.
Charlottesville Va, and send them along as
fast, and as often, as you can, for you
may rest assured that I am anxious
enough to hear from you all again
regularly. Tell Ma and Sister all
to please write to me often and I
shall expect you too, to do the same.
Jacksons army passed through here
about a week ago. I saw Hugh and
[2]
almost all our Winchester friends. Cousin
Eddie Lee is sick in Lexington and
Strother Barton in Staunton. I saw Bob
in Charlottesville the other day he says
that Strother has been very sick with
Camp fever, but is getting better now.
Bob has been detailed to nurse him and
was to go up there in a few days.
I had as fine an opportunity as I could
wish to join the Rockbridge Artillery
for they have not now more than half
its required number of men and have
sent its three best guns to Richmond
to be repaired and there is only one of the three
that they have now that they consider safe
to fire. In fact the whole company is
completely used up, men, cannon and
horses. Every one of the members that I
talked with advised me not to join it,
the Captain and all. Hugh is detailed and
is Gen'l Jackson's Clerk. The Battery has
been in every fight that Jackson has had.
I saw Miss Emma Breeden or rather Miss
Capt Coleman here the other day. She says
that two of her sisters, I forgot which two,
are keeping house at our house, that Miss
Gettie McGuire has our library and that
all the furniture is distributed about
among our neighbors but is all safe.
[3]
Miss Anna went into Winchester with our
army and saw all her friend[s] but did
not have time to pay a very long visit
as Jackson had taken it in his head to go
to Richmond to wake up Johnston
which I hear he has done most effect
ually and the Yankees too. Last night
we heard that there had been fighting at
Richmond all day, that we had whipped
them soundly and driven them back six or
seven miles, and had taken any amount
of artillery, and to day we hear that
the fight has been resumed. I hope
to day we will give them the finishing
stroke. God grant that we may. I long
so much to be back in Winchester with
you all again, and I dare say you
all feel as unsettled as I do.
There is nothing doing in Gordonsville
now and Frank Grady
and I spend most
of our time going to see the girls here
but I have not lost my heart yet,
and on Monday thank goodness I go to
work. I got tired of staying at Mr
Gordons and have been here for two weeks.
I received a letter from Pa about a week
ago and have written him several I
shall write to him when I get to Char
lottesville, and to Ma also. Is she with you?
[4]
Well Nina I have come to the conclusion
that I will pass through this year
without being in a battle. It may
be well, but is a very great disappoint
ment to me and I think that as long
as I live I will regret it.
I have not heard a word from Mr. Fauntleroy
except that he went to Winchester and
came very near be taken by the Yankees
and had to take to the mountains and
employ guides to keep him out of the hands
of the "Union men" as he had a good deal
of money about him. They say that the
mountains west of Winchester are full
of deserters from both armies who rob
and murder all who they come across.
A young Lady in telling me the news this
morning told me that yesterday we took
at Richmond from the Yankees two hundred
and fifty pieces of cannon and thirteen
pieces of Artillery! Glorious news! Wasn't it?
I think that in about two months from
this time the war will be over and
that we will be once more comfortably
fixed in Winchester; in the mean while
we must content ourselves to do as we best
can. I want to see you all very
much indeed. Give my love to all
and write soon to your very affectionate
Bro C L Powell Jr
