Augusta County: Andrew R. Barber to Mary Anna
Silbert, October 23, 1864
Summary:
Barber boasts about the recent military success enjoyed by Virginia reserves at
Saltville, laments the "depredations" of the Yankees (including the loss of one
of his own children), and expresses confidence that the day of God's judgment
upon the North is not far distant.
Colonel Barber
Colonel
Barber
Barber
October 23rd 1864
Head
Quarters
Medical
Department Reserve & Local Forces, West & South West
Virginia
Dublin, Virginia
My Dear Cousin Mary
I have only time this cold Sunday morning to write you a line. Indeed I have nothing of interest here to write you. I come out safely after taking a very active part in late fight at Saltville. General Burbridge U.S.A. was punished very severely for bringing his mixed white & Blacks in the vicinity of Saltville where we Reserves could strike them a blow. Let it be said "never more" that the silvery haired men & the beardless & downy cheeked youths of old Virginia will not fight. They have of late made their own record & the faithful Historian, & future generations will give them a high place in the annals of their country.
The fighting for the Season in this country is over, & I have accepted
the appointment of
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"Medical Director & Chief Surgeon of the
Reserve & Local Forces of West & Southwest Virginia" & have established my Head
Quarters at this place & am on duty.
"I am in fine health, hoping when these few lines come to hand they'll find you enjoying the same God's Blessing."
I have just read a letter from Brother Gabl. &
Daughter Mollie giving account of depredations &c of the Yankees. They now know & feel what I knew & was
made feel near four years ago-- only they have never been made suffer from the
vandals as I have suffered. They have not felt & known what it was to
mourn over the loss of a darling child-- the victim of a wicked relentless foe.
But enough. God is just & merciful-- & the day of Retribution
for the wicked ones who have stricken so many hearts & laid waste our
beautiful & once happy country is not
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a far distant. Let it
come-- I repeat it let it come-- God speed it. Amen.
Remember me kindly to your parents & Sister-- would like to see you all. With fraternal affection be kind enough please to remember me to Sammie & Mat. I wrote Mat a letter & enclosed it to you-- She never answered it, or if she did, I never recd. I love her very dearly, [deleted: but] & it distresses me because she neglects me. Suppose she got mad at me because Sammy foolishly [unclear: did]. I never wantonly abused or wronged or injured any one.
I remember very pleasantly our delightful Boat ride-- I remember your kindness & affection towards me. I will not forget it or cease to remember you kindly & affectionately
Your cousin,
Andrew R. Barber
