Geraldine McGuffin writes to her cousin, John B. McGuffin, with news from home, including other members of the extended McGuffin family. She also writes that she has fallen in love with a cousin of hers from Louisiana. Although there is no date, the tone of the letter possibly places it in the early years of the war.
Martha Roadcap's letter to her son Charles speaks of news at home and the condition of Charles' lame dog. Martha asks her son to come visit, and to write her a more detailed letter.
John B. McGuffin's cousin writes to him about her wish to see the Union remain in one piece. She also writes about her teaching and romantic entanglements at home.
Geraldine McGuffin writes to her cousin John McGuffin about how much she misses and worries about him, and sends good wishes from other friends and family.
Martha Roadcap writes to her sons John and Charlie in Harper's Ferry wishing them well and giving them news of home, where the war is the "all absorbing topic."
George Baylor writes to his sister Mary to tell her of his company's recent movements and conditions.
A friend writes to John McGuffin with news from home, including the enlistment of other friends, a fire, and the arrest of several men who were thought to be spies.
Martha Roadcap writes to her son, John, about the excitement and anxiety at home, and about the results of the local elections. She asks John and his brother Charles to send her an account of their personal belongings and unsettled business, should she lose either of them in the war, and also asks that they both write her more often.
In her letter to her son, John McGuffin, Martha Roadcap writes that she is worried about his safety after reports of a battle near Shepherdstown. She also mentions that the local crops look promising this year.
Martha Roadcap's letter tells of the problems completing the harvest because all men aged 18 to 45 have been drafted. She thanks her son for his prompt letter because reports have become unreliable, and writes him about an accidental shooting in Lexington that killed a Colonel and a 14 year old boy.
George Baylor's letter to his sister, Mary, describes some of the gruesome images he has seen after a battle in northern Virginia, near Washington. He also expresses a wish to see the war settled before winter.
George Baylor writes to his sister Mary about his company's movements and skirmishes near Alexandria.
A soldier writes to his sister about their brother, George, who is recovering in a Richmond hospital.
George Baylor writes to his sister Mary about his return to camp from the hospital in Richmond, and requests various items of clothing he needs for the coming winter.
George Baylor writes to his sister Mary to say he has received the clothes she sent, and he also tells of a man who was shot near camp the day before.
Crist writes to his cousin about life in camp, and sends word about friends in common.
G. E. Crist writes to his cousin Mary about camp life in general, his worries about his mother, once the militia is called up. He also writes about his growing urge to fight and his faith that they will eventually win the war.
George Baylor writes to his sister about clothes and food he wants her to send to him.
Gabbert writes to Mary Baylor about the terrible things he saw during and after the battle in Malvern Hill in early July.
David Zimmerman writes to Mary Baylor about life in camp and that he is too weak to run away from his regiment.
Charles Baylor writes to his sister Mary about smallpox in the valley, the high cost of food in camp, and an impending battle. He mentions the death of their brother, George, who was killed in the battle of Cedar Creek a few months before. He also mentions writing to his wife, Mary E. Baylor.
Three notes certifying that Charles McGuffin is not yet healed enough to be fit for duty following his injury at Gettysburg.
Martha Roadcap writes Mary Baylor to thank her for taking care of her son, Charles W. McGuffin while he was recovering. (Mary Baylor and Charles McGuffin will marry later).
Martha Roadcap's letter to her son, Charles W. McGuffin, mentions his stay with the Baylor family during his recuperation, although he has currently come to stay with his grandmother. Martha asks her son about the clothes that he need, and mentions what she has already sent to his brother, John.
Martha Roadcap writes to her son, John McGuffin, about the package she sent him and the clothes she is making him. She also mentions that Charles, her other son, is still ill.
Martha Roadcap apologizes to Mary Baylor for not writing sooner, but several of her family members were suffering from diphtheria. She also describes a fire in her neighborhood that destroyed ten buildings. The letter also mentions both of her sons, John and Charles McGuffin.
John McGuffin asks his uncle to return the $100 he enclosed in the letter to a friend from whom he had borrowed the money. He also mentions a fight in which a friend's son, and about 25 other people were killed.
Charles W. Baylor's letter to Charles McGuffin describes what he knows of McGuffin's brother John's death at the battle of Winchester, and mentions other men who were killed and wounded.
Thomas McGuffin writes to his brother Templeton after a long silence, telling him of his family's hardships during the war and asking for news of friends and family in Augusta County.
A woman from near Winchester, Maggie, writes to the mother of a dead soldier, telling her of her son's death. Maggie describes the soldier's burial, and his personal items that she will send to his mother. Based on references in this and later letters, the dead soldier may be presumed to be John B. McGuffin, and the recipient of the letter, Martha Roadcap, his mother. Maggie Heist was apparently John's sweetheart.
Charles McGuffin receives an order to report in Richmond.
Mary Baylor's friend, S. E. Zimmerman writes about the death of her young daughter Florence, and mentions the death of Emma, the young daughter of Mary's brother Charles. Zimmerman also writes about her desire to return to Augusta county if the war doesn't escalate.
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