Augusta County: A.M. Chacky to his Brother, February
6, 1865
Summary:
Chacky writes to his brother Ed about fooling a provost guard into letting him on
a train to Fishersville. Chacky was a member of Wharton's Division of the Valley
Army of Virginia.
Brother
February 6th 1865
Head Quarters
Wharton's Division
Dear Brother Ed
I promised to write to you immediately after arriving at camp but have been
pretty busy and have not done so until the present
time. After I left you I went up to the Provost-Marshall's office but found such
a crowd then that it was impossible for me to get a pass in time to leave on the
train. Consequently I went down to the depot with the the determination in my
cranium to "run the block." When a arrived there I found this to be impossible
for the guard was too vigilant for me. I then jerked out my letters from [unclear:
Ted
] Smith directed to Colonel Smith and General Wharton and marching up to the officer of the
guard told him that "here were dispatches from Governor Smith that must certainly go up by today's
train." He said he could not help it, no
one
could
get
on
the
train
without
a
pass
from
the
Provost-Marshall I then thought I [deleted: must] would have to [unclear:
prolong
] my visit in Richmond another day. But just as the cars were about to
start, the captain of the guard came to me in company with the officer whom I
had solicited to let me pass and asked to see the dispatch which I had to carry.
"Certainly said I you can see them." Now in the corner of one was the
inscription "Through the kindness of Major
General Breckinridge." (It was the intention of Mr.
Smith to send them by General
Breckinridge but did not get to do so).
[page 2]
This
inscription of course [unclear: added substance] to the subject, and the
Captain said if I would bear all responsibility - he would let me pass. And as
[deleted: there] he did not want to let the guard know anything
about the affair he took out his key and let me into the ladies car - there
being no entrance at that door. So I had a nice ride in the ladies car the whole
way to Fishersville. Did you get off on the Petersburg train or did you have to
walk? I felt very sleepy on my way up as I did not go to bed the preceeding
night until one oclock. I tell you I made things "
[illeg.]
[illeg.]
" with Miss Emma that night. But you do not approve of such things so I
will refrain from giving you a description of the affair. We are having a regular good time here now. Matters have been arranged
so we do not have to go to Staunton any more. Another [illeg.] has come
in, so we have little or nothing to do. How do you like your [unclear:
berth
] by this time. Have they done anything with
you for staying at home over your time? I am anxious to hear about this and you
must write immediately. I have not heard from home since you left. Expect a
letter daily. What do you think of Peace by this time? I think that before
bright Spring shall unfold her sunny wings the [unclear: land toxin] of
war will have [unclear: peaked] her clamor and peace and harmony will
reign once more in our beloved land. At least this is my hope. Oh! would it not
be delightful for us all to be gathered at home once
more and pursue the peaceful avocations of life. You and I would again
[unclear: devote] ourselves to our books and attempt to make
ourselves men. You must write soon I will be anxious to hear from you. Tender my
respects to Mr. Wirt and others of your mess-mates who may inquire after me.
A.M. Chacky
