Augusta County: Benjamin Franklin Cochran to His
Mother, May 30, 1861
Summary:
Cochran provides a general update on camp life and apologizes to his mother for
buying a pistol.
Mother
May the 30 1861
Harpers Ferry
Dear Mother
Your letter of the 23d came to hand. I am very sorry that I bought a pistole but I was forsed to buy one because I had to go on picket gard and the men on picket. When two were resting one was going and they have at night riding by bushes have been fired uppon by an unseen foe last night the officer of the night whilst going the rounds was fired at but not hurt.
The things that are not in the pistole case I took [added: out] the provison that you were going to send down. you can send it to the fery and I wish you would get me some coloured stuff and make me two shirts and pack them in the box with the provison. all so send me one of little cans of powder that Johnie sent sent me from Richmond.
You ask me if I want more clotes I want none but what I have mentioned above.
I am now very well and on duty to day camp life is right hard but I do not mind it.
I have tended to my horse very well and he stands it as well if not better than any other horse in camp.
There is no knewse here at all you here more knewse than we do. I am very well and hope to finde you the same
Your Affectionate Son
B.F. Cochran
