Augusta County: James B. McCutchan [?] to Martha,
April 17, 1861
Summary:
This letter, possibly by James B. McCutchan, describes some of the confusion
among the troops in Staunton following the succession crisis in April, 1861.
April 17, 1861 Wednesday
Staunton
My Dear Martha
We all have been in a great state of excitement here nearly all day, + in great
distress, poor Lgt
Ewell, Nelson with all the other poor fellows have
just started for Harpers ferry + they were not to be told till after they
started, where they were going, but William Patrick came up on the [deleted: ] the enemy + told will Nelson, + he told us, you never saw such
an excitement + such a [unclear: destressing] time as we have, it is
said to be a secret movement [unclear: in] the Gov. having so many companies called out, from Augusta, this evening later
no then dispatch came for a company of troops, + if they could not get horses in
any other way to take them by forse, so
[unclear: Legh] told us late this evening, + that Lincoln looked on Virginia still as his friend + that he was going to
send 20,000 men to Staunton + 30,000 to Richmond, this is the news that came
late this evening, Legh says Lincoln must be a old
fool, how do you all feel, I wish we all could be together, we dont know what is
to take place, I forgot to say Lincoln intended
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coming to Staunton as a place of safety. I think he never intend
coming as he is to have such a fourse, how true all this is I cant say. Nanny +
the children were at well Nelsons when [unclear: Lyt] was called out
today, he had to send for Len + Well Nelsons family all one at
[unclear: Les] I feel so sorry for her to stay at Len house, I helped
her to darn some socks, they were done in a short time two of James Calhoon's
sons will go in the morning please some of you write + give much love to each +
all at home as ever
your affect
