Augusta County: Tony Pastor to Annie Harris,
November 11, 1861
Summary:
Pastor discusses his army's movement to a new position, including riding on top
of train cars.
November 11th 1861
Camp near Winchester
Dear Annie
I embrace this my earliest opportunity of answering your very welcome, & interesting letter, which I received before
leaving Centerville - We left there on friday about 2 oclock & arrived
at the Junction about sunset - We then transferred our baggage to the cars & took
the same for Strawsburg, where we arrived [unclear: Sun]day, [deleted: ] he D[illeg.] was any thing else, but a pleasant one;
from the fact that we
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were so much crowded. I for one lay on the top
of the cars & slept, but was nearly frozen all the time. Everything passed off very agreeably, considering -
no accident occuring save one - & that was truly sad. One of Captain Roberts men fell off the top of the cars
& got nearly killed. he lived about 2 hours after they got him on the
train. He was an Irishman by the name of OBryan, the rest of the Irish belonging
to the company [unclear: after] we got to Strawsburg got as "tight" as
they could get. (This you know is part of their
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religion, or their
rule at least - which they strictly adhere to) Well, I can't say now, how long we will remain at this place or whether we will
go into winter quarters - this will depend entirely on the movements of the
enemy. It was reported before we left Centerville, that the Yankees were advancing toward this place. That there was a number of
them in Martinsburg & [unclear: Romney]. Also Shepards Town. But
this has turned out to be false; except at Romney. There are about 5000 at that
place & are busily engaged fortifying.
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I am glad to inform you that I am not as corpulent as you heard, but still remain about the same - but not near so good looking as the Gentleman you spoke of. Lieut Mc says he [deleted: would] certainly would like to kiss that lady & you too. he sends his best love to you & all the [unclear: girls]. Mr Miller has recovered. Says he was in the same fix but you can return my love good wishes, & To Maggie & [illeg.] tell them I would like to see them so much, also all the rest. Excuse this short letter, nothing more at present but remain yours as ever
Tony Pastor
Direct to Winchester
don't show this is you please
