| John H. Cochran, a native of Augusta County, Virginia, watched the secession crisis from Richmond. When Virginia seceded from the Union, John, at the age of twenty-two, enlisted as a private in Company A of the 46th Virginia Infantry. He died of wounds received in battle in Petersburg in July 1864. His brother, Benjamin F. Cochran, enlisted in Waynesboro as a private in Company E of the 1st Virginia Cavalry. After the war, Benjamin farmed near Fishersville in Augusta County. |
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the most likely matches in the Valley of the Shadow databases: |
John H. Cochran: 1860 Census | 1860 Slaveowner Census | Military Service
Benjamin F. Cochran: 1860 Census | 1870 Census | Military Service
In the midst of the secession crisis, John H. Cochran wrote this eloquent series of letters to his mother about the debate in Virginia. Cochran shares his pro-secession views and describes the division of Virginians over the issue. This collection also includes one letter from the Cochrans' cousin, A. G. Guskins, who writes about the situation in South Carolina.
Return to the Eve of War Personal Papers
This collection consists of six letters written by John H. Cochran and Benjamin F. Cochran to their mother in the first months of the war. The letters from the Cochran brothers reveal details about their life in camp and experiences in battle.
Return to the War Years Personal Papers
Franklin County Personal Papers: Eve of War | War Years | Aftermath
Augusta County Personal Papers: Eve of War | War Years | Aftermath
