Near Warrenton Mar 14th 62
My Darling Wife –
More than a week has elapsed since I have leisure or opportunity to
write as I have been far in rear of our Army. Doing those
harassing and unceasing duties of Rear guard. So important and
responsible. I may be here for a day or two more, but cant tell
– The enemy is in possession at Centreville and Manassas but is
not advancing this side. I have seen your old stamping ground
Warren Green – Misses Turner & Collins enquired particularly
after you. I am enduring the saddest, sorest trials of the
soldier, to see this beautiful country abandoned to the enemy, and its
inhabitants leaving by hundreds – ladies trudging along some
walking, some heaped pell mell in wagons with baggage – while the
crying of children, the neighing of horses, and bleating of calves
& sheep afford a strange confusion of sounds.
This is however a measure no doubt dictated by true Generalship – and some must suffer for the whole –
I was never in better health –
In great haste with love & kisses to ours
Yours ever