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Augusta County: James R. McCutchan to Rachel Ann McCutchan, March 21, 1864

Summary:
McCutchan writes of his boredom in camp and their diminishing rations. He writes that he longs to "fight it out," instead of sitting around and waiting.

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March 21st, 1864

Greenbrier County, Va.

Dear Rate,

I am determined that you shall not quarrel with me the next time I see you for not writing to you; though I am sure I have written several letters that you do not get, but I am determinded to comply with your wishes, while there is paper ink or pencils in the Confederacy - It is almost night; I have been busy to day - on review drilling etc. I just finished my dinner of bean-soup + biscuit.

General Breckenridge is here + I think if our rations get much less, General Starvation will be here also or Gen. "Skidaddle" to a quarter where there is more to eat. - Gran. + myself got here safely, but had a tiresome ride over bad roads.

I got a letter from you when I returned, + also one from Lydia + one from Cousin Mollie.

I'm getting awfully tired of this camp, I despise this inactivity. I am tired of the war - I wantto fight it out, + the sooner we begin this spring the better.

We had a grand sight here last night. The mountains around us were literally mountains of fire. It burned all round our cabins + what do you think we did - we just let it burn - I have to reduce myself to half a sheet as paper is scarce just at this time. We can buy nothing here now - nor can we, I suppose until the new money is issued - give my best love to all + write soon, assured that I will do the same.

Yours Affectionately

J. R. McCutchan