Augusta County: Gotlip Dalius to John B. McGuffin,
June 3, 1861
Summary:
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.
John B. McGuffin, The West Augusta Guards, Harpers Ferry John B. McGuffin
3rd June 1861
Staunton
Dear John
I send you the shirts as per Your Order. Your letter was received in due time and
it was read with much pleasure. I glad to see that you are well satisfied and
enjoying the luxuries of the land or at least a part. Henry arrived safe home on
last Thursday from Richmond he [unclear: start] back this morning for
the same place he says he has an appointment in the provisional army of Virginia
or he says he will in all probability take an office in the Wise Legion. The
West Augusta Guard I suppose treated Henry badly - how
is the company getting along now. With the absence of Henry & Baylor -
Baylor will accept the [unclear: mayorship] - we have had quite an
exciting time in town for a week past. We have two or three suspicious
characters [unclear: lodged] in Jail. They are thought to be spies. I don't know what will be done with them. We had a
fire here onlast Monday Evening about 4 oclock Old [unclear: Ma
Shumates] stable caught & Burnt to the ground the wind was
blowing a perfect torrent and several other houses caught from the Stable, but
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they we all put out. but considerable damage done to the
property & furniture.
My Dear Boy. I am almost worn out - the old Militia have been ordered out in some of the Western Counties the next pass old [unclear: Letcher] makes it will take all, & then we'll all go to Dixie land together. Several of the Boys is going down and they will tell you all the news. I have several other letters to write to night and it is now late, so I must close with the hope seeing you before long Write soon
Your friend,
G. J. Dalius
My regards to all the Boys.
P.S. I wish you
would see John Bucker and ask him what he did with the Bundle he carried
down for Sandy Cochran tell him to hand it over to George M Cochran
