University of Virginia Library

Your letter by Jimmy
Burns[2] was received this evening.
Charles' letter came yesterday, after
looking for a letter for a week. I had
begun to think you had forgotten me, it
was so long coming. He mentioned
that Johny had gone to somewhere (but
didn't say where) except that I would no
doubt see him before I got his letter.
He didn't tell me what he had gone for,
or anything about it, nor did you except
that he sent to Genl Lee a recommendation
for my detail. What sort of a thing is
it and who recommended me. I suppose
he was in Richmond and took the contract to
the war office. I havn't gotten the letter you
say he wrote me and have never gotten
but one letter from him since I left. I have
been very anxious to hear from him, and
know what is doing at the Furnace. It will
now soon be time it was put in blast.

When I commenced writing I had just
returned from preaching, which we have
every night. Dr. Hoge[3] and Mr. Lacy [4] are gone.
There is a chaplain with each regiment of
the brigade, two Presbyterians and three
Methodists. Lieut Culton[5] has resigned -
unable to stand infantry service. I dont
know who will get his place, if his resignation
is accepted. We heard considerable firing
across the river yesterday, but havent heard the
cause. Wednesday morning, I will get
the box today -am very much
obliged to you all for it -I am not
much afraid of it being much like
what y I get here, there is but one place
I ever saw that I got such rations.
I am sorry Miss Sue Harden is about to
leave the neighborhood -young people
are sadly scarce there. Emmett is on another
trip to Uncle John's, wonder if he will get ther
this time. I heard Mary Susan [6] was to atttend
a small party at Dr. Dold's -a kind of farewell
to Jim[7] I suppose. I am very well. Love to all
the friends.