.MTM3Ng.MjMyMw

This transcription has not been verified by Special Collections Research Staff. Please also consult images of the document.

Letter from Rebecca Powell [Winchester, Va] to Selina Lloyd Powell [Alexandria, Va]

20 April 1861

Powell Papers - 65 P875,  Box II, Folder 5

- - - - -

                                                                                    Winchester   April 20th

                                                                                                Sat eve

 

Dearest Mother

                                                                        We were in hopes we should have heard from you this evening, for in these times one likes to know all about their friends & family, & I expect you are anxious to hear from us, so I will treat you better than you did us & write.  In the first place we are all perfectly well, & every thing is going on well.  The girls are no trouble, & indeed I think have done very well in school considering the excitement.  You have heard no doubt that the Federal troops under mined all the building at Harper’s Ferry, & placed several

[2]

barrels of powder under the bridge.  If the whole had exploded it would have destroyed the town, but only the armory exploded, & the arsenal was saved.  5000 stand of arms were also saved.  The Troops have been passing through here for three days, keeping us in a constant state of excitement.  Tell Uncle Fred there is no doubt of a united South now so as Va & (Md too) I believe are secessed.  The enthusiasim is very great, & the mountain & valley counties Augusta, Rockingham, & Hardy are sending us more splendid bodies of men, all ready to fight to the death.  Thursday night 850 troops including about 189 University Students, Robbie Lee among them,

[3]

came in.  The poor fellows were right exhausted but full of spirit, we gave two of them their suppers.  Powell Grady did not come with them.  Temple is at H. Ferry, & all the young men from here Hunter & Ed McGinn, Holmes & Powell Conrad, Holmes Boyd &c I thought Mrs. Boyd looked right pale today in church when Mr. Boyd asking the prayers of the congregation for the young men, said “Let them die if need be, in defence of their country,”? but generally every body bears up bravely.  Pa is no longer depressed, he says we must bear up bravely & hopefully now that it has come, that there can be no division now as to the course of action in Va.  Well Ma when are you coming home, & are not Grandma & Ennie & Minnie coming with you?  They cant stay in

[4]

Alexandria can they?  I reckon the hottest of the fight will be there, & persons from there are already coming here.  Do bring them with you.  Lute I suppose will go to Leesburg but what will Molly do?  Aunt Jane is still with us but talks of leaving tomorrow.  There are between 4 & 5000 men now at Harpers Ferry well armed & equipped, It is thought that some will be ordered to Baltimore if they are needed there.  I hope Aunt Nani was not in Baltimore on Friday.  The girls are all well.  Bettie Bowen has gotten rid of her cold  Her father is at H. Ferry.  Do write soon dear Mother.  I think Pa would feel easier if you were at home, but you know best yourself whether there is any danger in your remaining.  We do not need you in truth every thing goes on well in school & in the family.  All send much love to you:  Give mine to all at Grandma’s believe me ever your devoted daughter

                                                                                    Rebecca Powell

 

Sunday

Has cousin R Sec resigned  Mildred has not heard from home for a long time.  Where is Custis.