.NTY4.NzM1

Richmond 24 November 1862
I have not heard one word from you
my Darling Wife for many days but infer
it’s to circumstances that the mails have been
interrupted and perhaps your letter may have
fallen into the hands of the enemy.
I hope the letter may be [?] for I know
what a horror you have of such a disaster
& nothing could [?] my wife’s [?] to such
an outrage, and I even fear it might
deter you from writing swiftly by private
hand. She has heard from the [?] not
later than of the 14th ten days ago –
She & Ben & Fan are well, perfectly well
as is Phil, I have been sick with [?]
[?] fever for some days or I would have
written, but I am well again and expect to
go out on the street tomorrow.
I shall leave for the Army in less than a week
Why does not Tom come up I am watching
for him. Ma speaks of his coming up
in her letter to me. Tell him to come
as soon as possible . There is no news for the
Army except the usual bulletin “all quiet.”?
Miss Mary [Dearth] has just reached here
From Fredbg.. from that Corps is there but

[P. 2]

notwithstanding the four women & children
have all been order(?) from their homes
by the [?] vandals there is little [?]
ability of their attempting to [?] at that point
Jackson will turn up in the right place.
I have no doubt.
All Talk here of peace has been about
denied. We have to look forward to [illeg]
but Hobbs natural state of man was
not war [illeg] & I must soon be off
to do my part with the brave men who are
fighting & suffering for their country.
I can only commend you & my babes to the
all protecting mercy of God. May He guide you
right and [illeg] you in all things.
I beg you to be governed by circumstances as
to whether you remain or not. do not do not [illeg]
any risk. If you have any apprehend come
up to [Birones].
You have seen that Mr. Sedon is Sec of War.
I am much pleased. I really think it a most
admirable appointment and proud of my
personal [?] & attachment.
All at Laburnum are well I believe but
I have not seen them since I was sick
and all [?] your brother at his house. He
is suffering with a bad cold.

[P. 3]
I heard from Uncle Alex today all
are well. He expects to be [illeg] in
Richmond for the winter.
Genl Ewell is in town. I went to see him the
other day. He expressed astonishment that I
had not been promoted. He regarded as
certain – The only promotion I should care
for is to the happiness of my family circle
a blessed peace –
God bless you Love and a thousand kisses
to our dear ones. I recall you all &
have charming talks with each one but
all are unfortunately in dream land.
[?] to Martha [?] & [?]
Remember me to Jason and [?]
& to her Ma
Most Devotedly Your Husband
Wm B Taliaferro
This fever is so bad I can
not write. I will write at
length in a day or two –
Tell Tom to come up
Can you come for a day or two