Augusta County: Martha L. Roadcap to John B.
McGuffin, May 7, 1861
Summary:
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."
Goshen Bridge, May 8th Mr. John B. McGuffin, Camp 5th Regiment Va. Vol., Company H Guards - Rifle, Harper's Ferry Va., Care of Col. Baylor John B. McGuffin
May 7th 1861
Goshen Bridge Va
My Dear Sons
I have received last week two letters from Harpers Ferry giving me the cheering
news of your continued health. I have written to John last week, I sent it to
Staunton to be sent from there to Harpers Ferry by
General Harman. I do not know whether you received
that letter; if not I wish you would enquire of your principal Officers for it -
or if you see General Harman ask him for it. There
is no news of interest about Goshen - the War and incidents connected thereto is
the all absorbing topic. There are several volunteer Companies now drilling in
the County, awaiting orders to march, making an aggregate of Several Hundred beside what has gone. Old Rockbridge is
thoroughly aroused and prepared to contribute a full share in resisting the
Military Despotism now operating at Washington. We are all well here at home and
our hearts as well as your friends about here beat with anxiety for you, praying
[illeg.] you may escape unharmed from your Campaign. I want you to
write to me as often as possible giving me some account of your Camp Life, how
you fare, in Eating, Sleeping & Lodging, anything connected with your
situation will be received & read with pleasure. I also wish you to give
me a direction how to address my letters so you may get them and I will write to
you as often as I can. Tell Charles to write also, and then I will be kept
advised of events as they occur. Sallie B. wrote to you did you get her letter
write soon & often and the prayers of your Mother & friends will
continually rise in your behalf. Abraham send his love to you and the children
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also desire to be remembered to you both tell Charles I am
extremely anxious to hear from him and want him to write to me immediately. The
weather is cool & windy more like the month of March than May. Crops
look well with a prospect of abundant harvest, farmers are planting Corn in
great abundance together with other things that we hope will give plenty to all.
Write soon. And a Mother's love & prayers attend you.
Your affectionate Mother
M. L. Roadcap
