Pastor writes that the Governor has replaced many of the higher officers with appointments, hurting troop morale. Tony himself is sick, but only with a cold, and he is on the mend. He writes that he hopes a home guard has been organized to protect the women of Augusta.
This letter, written soon after Pastor joined the main army, details the difficulties of a soldier's life even before the war began. He asks the ladies of his town to send him clothes, which in the postscript he says he received. Further, he mentions that he is doubtful that the conflict can end peacefully and says that he is ready to die for Virginia.
Pastor notes that during the dress parades women from the country come to watch, though he is no "lady's man." He mentions that Annie's cousin Anne B has also written to him. And he discusses his relationship with Annie.
Pastor describes one of his first guard duties and the general hardships he has faced in his early time in the army. He also asks Annie to find more recruits for his company, offering specific suggestions and mentioning that his company is falling behind the others in numbers. Parkers also hopes that all is well on the homefront, and he sends his regards home.
Carson describes camp life and the rigors of "soldiering" as he gets used to both.
Pastor begins by describing a very hard march to a position in the Piedmont, then describes the Battle of Bull Run in some detail. He expresses patriotic sentiment in the early part of the letter but describes horror at reviewing the wounded and dead on the field after the battle. He also refers to the Union troops as rebels.
Carson thanks Annie for sending him some cheese in a recent package from his brother and relates that they are camped in good position, though in somewhat poor health because of constant rain, near Alexandria.
Pastor writes that his new camp is in an unhealthy area, but the pickets are within eyesight of Washington. He passes along his projections about what will happen and news of acquaintances.
Pastor describes falling back and fortifying in a new, advantageous position in the face of news of a very large army of Yankees approaching. He reports rumors of Yankees pouring into Kentucky and predicts a major battle there, too. Many of the men seem to be sick. At the end of the letter, Pastor has just received orders to strike his tent and prepare to march away.
Pastor discusses his army's movement to a new position, including riding on top of train cars.
Pastor writes that his Company, without him because of an illness, traveled to destroy a dam but was unsuccessful. He says that he and his fellow soldiers are considering joining the regular army so that they can have furloughs.
Pastor describes their developing winter quarters and mentions that unless he reenlists he has no chance of another furlough.
Pastor describes an engagement near Franklin County followed by a retreat. Mentions a day appointed for thanksgiving, by order of the president.
Pastor writes about his time with a Cousin, possibly while on leave.
Pastor describes a recent battle in which his cousin and friend die, though the battle still ends in a Confederate victory.
Pastor describes recent camp life, which seems more relaxed. He asks Annie and the other ladies to come and visit the camp.
Writing to his lady friend Annie, Tony describes a recent successful march into Maryland, including the capture of Harper's Ferry. He mentions a great ensuing battle but says he has no time to discuss it in detail.
An update about camp life from Pastor to his lady friend Annie. He mentions that several men he knows recently died. Note that he mentions evacuating their last camp because there were too many "Confederates," in quotes. This might mean people trying to sell goods, camp followers, spies, or several other groups.
The author discusses the difficulties of moving the army through mountainous terrain. He also discusses the high prices of foods, comments on camp life, and says that he suspects the army is moving to stop Burnside's march on Richmond.
In this letter written soon before the army set into winter quarters, Pastor describes light losses in a recent battle as compared to huge (over 15,000) casualties on the Union side. He discusses his ideas about northern morale and the Lincoln government. He also is happy that the Rockbridge Cavalry has been dismounted since he believes they have contributed little to the war. He later mentions that there are no alcoholic drinks around.
Carson complains about the weather but says that he is happy that the roads are closed, meaning that the army won't be moving. This means that more of the men get furloughs, though he does not expect to return home until the war's end. He includes some gossip.
Pastor writes to ask why Annie has not written him lately. This is a very common theme in his letters to Annie (and in her letters to him). He mentions meeting with Yankees on the picket line in his postscript.
Samuel Carson describes his inability to return to the army after his furlough because the Yankees are in his way. He then recounts what he has heard about the Battle of Gettysburg, which took place just a few days before.
Pastor writes in the aftermath of a battle defeat, describing deaths and men lost as prisoners. One of those he mentions missing and presumed captured is Franklin Carson. This letter also hints that Pastor was recently at home, perhaps on furlough.
The letter notes that Carson has written quite frequently to Annie, in contrast to her recent protests. The letter also describes a recent clash with Union cavalry at Culpepper and goes on to describe camp life near Montpelier, the old home of James Madison.
Frank (Samuel Franklin Carson) writes to Annie Harris describing a recent day of rest and religious activities in the camps.
Carson discusses the execution of 10 deserters, then describes a recent ball.
Samuel Franklin Carson to Unknown (probably Annie Harris), September 30, 1863
Carson tells Annie about his trip from home back to the Army after a furlough. He mentions that at the moment many of the men have furloughs to get married and that he should be able to return home soon.
Pastor writes to Annie from prison, keeping an upbeat attitude.
Carson describes his current position and vaguely sketches his recent travels to his cousin Annie.
Tony laments that his unit is abandoning his "beloved valley." This letter probably dates from later in the war, though it does not include a year.
Tony writes Annie relating his troubles during a winter march and his hope to return home.
A short romantic letter to Annie, almost certainly from Samuel Franklin Carson.
Frank (Samuel Franklin Carson) writes to his lady friend Annie in response to her recent letter accusing him of having forgotten her because he so rarely writes. He remarks that paper is scarce but camp conditions are good, including the men's health. He laments that he has heard that his family's health at home is much worse.
Franklin (Samuel Franklin Carson) writes to someone, almost certainly Annie Harris, describing life in camp. He explains that his unit recently retreated across a river to Shepards Town and describes Yankee attempts to cross the river.
This note, written on a pay sheet for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company, contained two separate parts, both to Ms. Harris. The first was written by a Dr. "S. A. T.," the second by Tony Pastor. The first letter describes camp life in some detail, including exhaustive marches, hot weather, and mental exhaustion caused by false alarms of battle. The second letter mentions sickness in the camp and includes Pastor's usual complaints that Annie does not write often enough.
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