University of Virginia Library

You will perceive by
the heading of this, that we have changed
our camp a few miles. Though you need
fear no hostile demonstrations on the
account as we are yet ten or twelve
miles from the outposts. We were only
moved about five miles—only one
mile below us in Fairfax Court House[1], a
very pretty village in time of peace,
but now every where you see signs of the
presence of soldiers; a general air of neglect
and confusion, fences torn down, tents
of regiments and brigades seem in every
direction as far as can be seen through the
openings of trees. The country here is very
pretty; it is hilly, though not such high
hills as we are accustomed to in the valley,
but a succession of low parallell ridges

running nearly north and south, which
render the appearance a great deal more beautiful
than the low flat country around the Junction.
It is very densely wooded—mostly pine
and the whole filled up with thick under
growth, forming the very best protection
to the pickets and scouting parties, and also
a shelter for those terrible engines of destruction
(to the Yankees)-"masked batteries."[2]

Troops are still concentrating between this
place and our picket lines—the main body
of the army is here—what it all means
no one of course can tell, though you may
rest assured there will be no more falling
back on the Junction, unless we are com
pletely beaten, of which however I have
little fear. I do not believe the Yankees are
ready to fight us yet—their loss was too
great on the 21st July for them to have
recovered from it so soon.[3] All military
operations are exceedingly dull
and sluggish.

We are both very well and right
pleasantly situated, if indeed a camp
life can be, at all pleasant. The camp
is a right good one, the water not quite
so good as that we left.

William Wilson[4] reached camp
this morning, from Fairfax Station
where he left the boxes, and for which
we will send tomorrow. He gave us
all the news, both from home and
Rockbridge. The Cars now run regularly
to Fairfax Station, about 3 miles from
the Court House. You will hereafter
direct your letters to Fairfax Station
Company I 4th Regiment Va. Volunteers.

I suppose Charles told you that
Capt. White's resignation has been accepted
and that Mr. Morrison has been elected
Captain. He will make an excellent
captain. I like him very much.
He is one of the most industrious and
intelligent men I ever saw.[5]

Father wished to know that amount
coming to William from the Confederacy.[6]
Capt. White is not here and Capt.
Morrison knows nothing about it, he
can only make the calculations at $11 per
month which results as follows: $31.63
up to the first of July and then 16 days
in that month $5.50 making $37.13.
The pay master made a note on the pay
rolls, that William had died and the day
of his death (16th of July) but the amount
could be drawn at anytime without
difficulty. Any statement from the Capt
could in no way, be of any service, I think.
He can find out better in Staunton than any
one here can tell him.
I am going to Fairfax Station today for the boxes.