Robert writes to his friend Kate of his excitement at receiving her letter, his recent march, and his religious views.
Jacob writes in this brief letter to Kate of his recent march, the hot weather, and the state of crops.
Robert writes to Kate of his injury and subsequent stay in the hospital.
Robert writes to Kate about how he spent his Christmas and the health of his family.
Robert discusses his pleasure in his acquaintance with Kate, remarking on how close they have become since they first met. He then writes poetically of his surroundings at Chimborazo Hospital in Richmond.
Robert asks Kate to please share her fears with him so that he may offer her comfort. He then talks of the especially harsh weather and the number of sick soldiers (an "ill harvest") arriving at the hospital due to the cold.
William writes to Kate of his illness regarding his injured toe as well as the injuries and illnesses of other men in the army.
William writes to Kate that his health is good although his toe continues to cause him trouble. He mentions troop movements around Culpeper Courthouse and his thoughts about the Yankees.
William writes to Kate about her cousin's illness in the army, his ailing toe, the nearness of the Yankees, and the preacher who talks to the men often.
William writes to Kate about the troops erecting their camp and bunks near Brandy Station for their winter quarters and then having to move again after three days. He mentions who he has heard is getting married back at home as well.
William writes to Kate of the death of Thomas during a recent skirmish, his thoughts on the Confederacy, and his attempts to give up tobacco.
William writes to Kate of the troops erecting winter quarters near Orange Courthouse, of how President Jefferson Davis was supposed to review his brigade, and of other camp details.
William writes to Kate of how he spent his Christmas, how he took a sleigh ride, and how he hopes to live until the next Fall.
Robert writes to Kate of his good health, camp life, and his recent march.
William writes to Kate of a snowball Battle with Rhodes' division, troop movements, preaching in camp, and his love for her.
Robert tells Kate of the bad wound he received in his mouth and neck, what he is forced to eat, and his general condition at Chimborazo Hospital in Richmond.
William writes to Kate of his intentions to visit her soon as long as his business goes well.
William writes to Kate of camp life giving specific information on his messmates and the health of friends in the army.
William writes to Kate of the army serving oysters but having no butter to eat them with, and of other news from his camp, including news on the Yankees and troop movements.
William writes to Kate of the wounded in his camp, camp life including sleighriding and the beginning of Bible class, and general news about army commanders.
William writes to Kate of his long illness, his desire for a furlough, and his father's illness.
William writes to Kate regarding who he has learned is engaged, when he plans to see her next, and his good health. He concludes with a short poem to her.
William writes to Kate about the recent operation on his toe by an army doctor, yelling at a Yankee soldier, and his desire to see her soon.
William writes to Kate about his improving toe (although he needs crutches) and how his appetite has improved since she sent him some food.
William writes to Kate that he will release her if she so desires although he loves her. He then describes the sickness of her brother John and his resulting furlough as well as camp life.
William writes to Kate of camp religious life, his belief that he won't have a furlough unless he becomes sick or the Yankees get him, and his continued love for her.
William writes to Kate of the general health of her brother and himself and assures her that he loves her.
William writes to Kate about his desire that the army be more Christian, troop movements, his fears of their estrangement, and the health of his comrades in the army.
William writes to Kate of troop movements, including his current camp near Bunker Hill, the health of friends in the army, and his march through the Valley where the Yankees had burned so many crops.
William writes to Kate of her brother being taken prisoner and transported to Elmira, New York. He also describes the recent battle in detail with descriptions of what befell men whom she knew.
William writes to Kate about the recent battle at Winchester, the death of General Rhodes and others, and troop movements.
McComb writes to Kate to discuss several friends and family members. He also describes conditions in camp.
Lightner complains to Kate that excitement and preparations for the war have taken over the town of Lexington, interrupting classes at Washington College. He also describes some of the enlistment rallies and prayer meetings held in Lexington, and considers the possibility that he will soon have to join the army as well.
Lightner sends Kate a description of camp life and especially the religious activities available in camp. He also writes that, although he generally hates war, he believes that the Confederate cause is just, but still hopes that peace will ultimately prevail.
Lighter describes his new guard duties in camp and also attempts to answer Kate's questions about the character and behavior of William Brand.
Annie writes to Kate with news of their friends and family, including visits from soldiers and deaths and illness among their acquaintances. She also discusses the "traitors" from West Virginia. Included among her other news, Annie mentions the wedding of David Hourtz and Margaret Freeman, whose marriage announcement appeared in the Staunton Spectator, January 26, 1862.
Annie describes for Kate the funeral of their friend John Lightner (Private, Company I, 4th Virginia Infantry). She also teases Kate about another romantic attachment and discusses their friends and family.
Maggie shares with Kate news of friends and family, continuing the description of John Lightner's death and funeral. She also mentions that several of their acquaintances had re-enlisted in the Confederate army, and describes religious services held on the recent fast day.
Jacob tells Kate about troop movements around Winchester and throughout the Valley, changes in the leadership of the 5th Virginia Regiment, and recent desertions. He also includes news about family members. The beginning of the letter is unclear.
John's letter to Kate contains news of family members and his thoughts on recent troop movements in the Valley.
Brand writes to Kate of his trip to Harpers Ferry with his regiment and all the young women who cheered for the troops along the way. He also writes that he wanted to express his love more freely before leaving, but had been unable to do so.
William tells Kate about friends and family he has seen in camp at Harpers Ferry, and that he and his friends have enlisted "for as long as Virginia has need for us." He estimates that the war will last three or four years.
Brand writes to Kate of picket duty, arriving troops from other states, and her friends and family in camp. He also shares some rumors of the Union occupation of Alexandria, and says that every member of the Augusta Grays who voted in the recent elections voted in favor of secession.
Brand tells Kate about her friends in the army and a typical Sunday in camp. He also expresses a desire to "whip the deamons of the North."
William sends Kate a few bits of information about the battle around Winchester and expected troop movements in the near future. He mentions how eager his comrades are to engage in battle with the Yankees. He also encloses two poems for Kate.
William tells Kate about an argument in camp between her brother and one of their friends; he includes news about several other family members and acquaintances. He also sends her a description of the battle of Bull Run.
Vines writes to Kate with news of friends and family. He also complains that he was unlikely to receive a furlough before April.
William describes some of the recent troop movements and engagements in northern Virginia; he mentions some Union prisoners who seemed uninterested in continuing the war. He also suggests that Kate does not take his affections for her seriously.
William responds to Kate's charge that he is trifling with her by also professing his love to a Miss Hiss. He also described his week on picket duty within sight of Washington.
William writes to Kate about illnesses and deaths among their friends and families. He also described his trip from Fairfax to Winchester, which culminated in a nearly-violent disagreement between his commanding officers.
William apologizes to Kate for playing cards in camp. He describes Christmas in camp and sends news about their friends and relatives.
William describes the recent movements of the 5th Virginia Regiment throughout the Shenandoah Valley, saying that he encountered many Unionists in the town of Bath. He also tells Kate that many of the men in the regiment are sick due to the cold and wet weather.
William tells Kate that he believes the Confederates will evacuate Winchester in the near future. He also says that he, along with 35 members of his company, has re-enlisted for the duration of the war, and expresses disappointment that Kate's brother did not do so. He suggests that there will be "excitement in old Augusta" with the approaching Confederate draft.
William tells Kate about recent casualties in his company and the re-organization of the company under new officers. He also says that, while things look "gloomy" at the present time, the soldiers in his regiment are in good spirits and ready to fight the enemy. He is less impressed with the militia.
William describes his Brigade's movements in the Valley, recent battles, and their reception in Charlestown, (West) Virginia.
William sends Kate news of family and friends and mentions that his regiment finally has a chaplain. He also describes his unsuccessful trip to Augusta County to capture deserters, and clearly states his desire to marry Kate.
William describes the recent battle of Cedar Run, specifically noting casualties among Kate's friends and family. He later says that his regiment will be moving again soon.
William writes to tell Kate that he is in a hospital in Nelson County with diphtheria. He complains about the care he is receiving in the hospital.
William sends Kate news of cavalry movements in the Valley, his time in camp, and their friends and family.
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Franklin County Personal Papers: Eve of War | War Years | Aftermath
Augusta County Personal Papers: Eve of War | War Years | Aftermath
