University of Virginia Library

We received a
letter from home yesterday
one from aunt Clem and one
from Bet[2], so we had quite
a reading, we had looked
for them for several days
before they came to hand.
The one from home was quite
a family one the, kind I like
only wish they would come a
little oftener, was glad to hear
you were all as well as usual.
There is no news in camp
of importance, the enemy are
still quiet & I hope they will
stay so until we get our
army better organized, they
are reported to have a large
force between 20 & 25 thousand
but I think that is too

large for if they had that
number they would not
have any difficulty in march
ing right on to Staunton, but
I think they are afraid of
Jackson, I wish he could
get a sufficient force to drive
them back for it will never do
for them to get possession of
this rich & beautiful valley there
is sill a great deal of corn out
in the fields yet which we
ought to have for will need it
after while. We are still at Parson
Rude's 5 miles below New Market
on the fine Steinberger Farm.
I tell you it is the finest
farm I ever saw the land
nearly as level as a floor.
We have two houses to stay in
& plenty to eat so you see
we are getting along finely.[3] I do not know what our force
is not more than 6 or 8 thou
sand. I am afraid we will have
to fall back farther. Our compa
ny was filled up yesterday with
the Rockbridge Malitia 52 in
number they are very nice men
Charly McClung[4] is among the
number a very pleasant man
we scraped up kin but I do
not know how much, I expect
he is all you know any thing
about, we had an election
of officers this morning
which resulted in the election
of Hue White Captain Strickler
First Lieut, Sam Lile 2nd
& James Culton 3d one of the
malitia[5] I think they will
make very good officers
but I am in hopes by June
we will have our Captain
back by that time[6] if all reports
are true about the late fight
in Mississippi but I am afraid
there is some mistake about
it I have no doubt we get a
great many prisoners but I don't
like the thought of falling back
again and I regret the loss of
Gen Johnson for I think he
was an excellent officer, we get
no papers and cannot get the
particulars but I am in hopes
we have defeated them badly
though our loss is very heavy
now is the time for the South to
act if we delay, now we are
gone but I will never give
up as long as there is a ray of
hope, I don't believe there is
any chance for them to whip us.
We are both very well. I like
the service very well though it is
right hard but I think every one that
can go ought to. Give my respect to
aunt Elvira and to every body write soon
for it takes letters so long to come. love to
you and all the rest.