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Letter from Charles L. Powell, Sr [Winchester, Va] to Selina L. Powell [Alexandria, Va]
23 April 1861
Powell Papers - 65 P875, Box II, Folder 5
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Winchester April 23 1861
My dearest Wife
I was very glad to receive your long & interesting letter on yesterday – Many contradictory rumors have been afloat about Col. Lee. Mick said that Len had talked with him on Friday & thought that he did not intend to resign. On Sunday it was rumored that he had seized the Arlington Heights with some Virginia troops and was fortifying there – On yesterday that he had occupied the Georgetown Heights with 7000 men. Mr. Dandridge who had
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recently returned from Washington thought that he did not design to enter the contest on behalf of Virginia if he did resign. I hope that the question is by this time settled by his being at the head of the Va forces. You do not tell me what our friends in Alexandria are doing – Fred, Frank & Neb are they under drill, have they got commissions? Sally & Mick report to us that John received a Major’s Commission from Va. He will have to better himself to get a competent knowledge of the duties of his position. Where is Dr. Tabb? Our town has presented
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such a scene of activity as it has never witnessed before in its long life. About 400 troops have been gathered at harpers ferry – almost all of them have passed through here – They are mainly from the Valley Counties. The strong old Union Counties of Rockingham & Augusta have seemed to be inexhaustible in their supplies of strong active resolute men. The Rockingham Rifles a very fine looking body of men, said to be about 350 strong, made a very handsome appearance as they stopped in front of the Hotel greeted by local cheers – they were addressed by a young lawyer from Charlottesville, who had
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made quite a good speech in the morning when he was sober, but by this time found the expression of his enthusiastic patriotism obstructed by an oversupply of stray drink. He struggled hard but in vain to tell all he had felt and done and was going to do for their State and especially for the protection of the people of this Valley. After having reiterated several times “I cant say”? “I cant say”? he was quietly responded to by one of the soldiers. “What you cant say, we’ll do.”? It is found that they have more men at Harpers Ferry than they can well employ at that point. Some of them are returning. The University boys came back last night abt 12 Oclock, & had to be provided for. I proposed to take five. I secured only Captn Carr of the U S Army formerly, under whose command they were. A very gentlemanly man, who has the reputation of being a highly accomplished officer. He witnessed war on a grand scale in Italy, & was present at
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the battle of Solferino. I tried to find Robert Lee but did not succeed. He had been taken off to Mr. Schultze’s where he slept so soundly that they had not the heart to wake him this morning, & he was left by his company & had to be sent on by dispatch –
Mr Green was here on Saturday to take Kate home. He agreed to sleep on his purpose. Kate was greatly disturbed. The next day I had a long talk with him. He said his Mother had been left a widow in poverty with 8 children & the care of the family had devolved upon him as the oldest son – That he had maintained them all & educated them as well as he could & had made himself as he supposed wealthy & now to find himself at the age of 51 as he apprehended on the
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verge of ruin & unable from his crops & cattle & 1500 $ at interest to raise enough to pay his daughter’s tuition bill was almost more than he could stand. He seemed touched & some what amused by Kate’s simplicity & earnestness in inquiring of him but “Pa Ive got some money coming to me have not I / as he said she had at some future time /. Cant you take that ? - Jane said she came upon them unexpectedly in the parlour, while talking & she thought they was both in tears - I combatted his gloomy views, & he proposed to give me his negotiable notes for the amt which I could get discounted & let her remain – To which I willingly acceded – to Kate’s great relief – I have not heard from Illinois since Charley’s letter – I am afraid they are cuttg off our North Western mail – it does not come to this office to day – I wish you would get a good book of family prayers – I am very sorry yr visit should have been disturbed. I rely upon you to come as soon as there is danger of inconvenience. I think the struggle will be for Washington – Much love to all Yrs very affly
C L Powell
