John P. Lightner to Kate Armentrout, October 31, 1861 | ||
Oct. 31st 1861
It is with pleasure do I take my pen to answer your elaborate epistle, which I received through the hands of our soldier & hero Mr J. Hayse. It need not be told you that it was received & perused with great pleasure as I consider it a pleasure to read letters from all my friends, who manifest such a deep interest in the welfare & safe return of our soldiers as you do. I am tolerable well at present, but not as well as I have been. I never had better health than I had two or three weeks ago. Have fattened so much you would hardly recognize me, if I were to meet anywhere away from home. I think you might come down & see us all, while we are living in peace & quietude. The indications for a battle are very faint; according to my way of judging. We will soon be strongly fortified here, and I hardly think the Yankees will attack us so strongly fortified, since they are afraid to "show us fight" in an open field. We had a grand display of the Va Vols yesterday evening. Gov. Lecher was present & presented
The Governor delivered his address, standing upon one of our newly erected forts.
The Gov. is going to have a grand review of the troops this evening, I wish you could attend, it would be something romantic to you especially. I saw some ladies on the field yesterday evening, to see what was to be seen & heard. This part of the country is nearly destitute of ladies & citizens generally, some have united their destiny with that of the Yankees & some with the Southerners.
I suppose you have heard that the Company to which I belong, has been detailed as a permanent guard at Gen. Smith's headquarters.
We were detailed the 2nd day of Oct. The time passes much more pleasantly in that position than it did when we were with the Regiment, withs notwithstanding our guard is very heavy.
I've gotten so used to Camp life, I feel as well contented here, and probably better than I would be if I were at home or College. One of my Classmates came
This war I believe is designed to bring out the characters of men, & it certainly
I got some of the cake & cheese you sent to your brother. It was very nice, & accept of my thanks for it. Well I must close, give my love to any you choose, & write to me soon again.
John P. Lightner to Kate Armentrout, October 31, 1861 | ||