This letter, possibly by James B. McCutchan, describes some of the confusion among the troops in Staunton following the succession crisis in April, 1861.
James R. McCutchan's letter to his sister discusses his health, the rough conditions in camp, and mentions the names of several new recruits.
McCutchan describes troop movement through towns in West Virginia, including Martinsburg.
McCutchan describes his desire to be home and his longing for freedom from the monotony of camp life in the army.
McCutchan tells his sister that he has marched 100 miles in the last week and shares his observations about the Virginia towns through which he has passed.
McCutchan gives his cousin an optimistic portrait of camp life and ponders whether to reenlist.
McCutchan describes the gathering of troops in the Valley near Winchester. He calls this the "darkest hour of the Confederacy," and discusses the need for southern patriotic spirit and determination.
McCutchan tells about leaving Winchester and marching through Strassburg, Edinburg, and Woodstock. He mentions how difficult it was to leave the women in those towns.
In this long letter to his cousin Rachel, James R. McCutchan writes of the beauty of the area in which he is staying, telling Rachel of a deep mountain lake she should see one day. The letter also refers to several people McCutchan had recently encountered.
McCutchan informs his cousin that he is suffering from a cold. He also tells her about the preaching he hears in camp.
McCutchan describes a skirmish near Shepherdstown in which his brigade was heavily shelled and had to retreat to Bunker Hill.
McCutchan describes harsh weather conditions, marching, and camp life. He also mentions that his cousin, James R. McCutchan, might be dead.
James R. McCutchan writes to his sister about the crowded conditions in camp now that thousands of troops are gathering near Harper's Ferry.
McCutchan is bored with camp and ready to fight again. In his letter he details shortages in food and other supplies.
McCutchan writes about marching through Virginia and about the "hard looking" women he has seen in camp.
McCutchan describes a skirmish with the Yankees near Bruce Town and tells about the wounds some of his comrades received.
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