Augusta: John P. Lightner to Kate Armentrout, June
29, 1861
Summary:
Lightner sends Kate a description of camp life and especially the religious
activities available in camp. He also writes that, although he generally hates
war, he believes that the Confederate cause is just, but still hopes that peace
will ultimately prevail.
Miss Amanda C. Armentrout, Greenville
June 29th
Stevens Camp
Dear Friend;
I doubt not that you would be glad to hear from your old friend by this time, who is now enjoying the pleasures or miseries of Camp life.
I am very well at present, was not for several days after, I overlook my company,
which is now stationed 4 miles from Martinsburg, Beverly Co. some 6 miles from
the Potomac; we are getting pretty close to the Yankees. But the closer we
apprach them the faster they retreat. I like camp life very much if it was not
for cooking. I wish you could come down & cook for me. I have engaged
one young lady to fight for me. She was so kind & patriotic as to offer
her services, & of course I could not refuse. I think most of the ladies
are more
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patriotic than some of the Gentlemen. I met with a great
many of my old acquaintances in the different regiments stationed here, which
makes it more pleasant than it otherwise would be. They all seem very cheerful
& lively, and most anxious to come into deadly conflict with their
enemy. I know I dont want to fight. I'm a great lover of peace, I would give a
million, if I had it, to be in Lincoln's position one day, peace would come, if
I could bring it. I abhor the idea of war, & believed once that it was
morally wrong on all occasions. But this war is certainly a holy & just
one, on our side; the other is none else than unconstitutional, brought on by
wicked usurpation of power, but from present indications & from reports
now current, the
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prospect for peace is flattering. I only hope the
present Congress will settle the whole affair. It is the will of our maker to
have peace at all times, if people would not become so rebellious, he would not
chastise so severely as by bringing war upon them. These have been in times past
& must needs now be. Two ladies from Washington came to Martinsburg,
stated that the Cabinet were writing out a proclamation of peace. I dont [added: know] how they know it, but suppose they had
some good reason for believing so.
There are some hard customers here, care for nothing whatever, themselves nor any one else.
I would rather be at College about this time, at my studies. I hated worse to
leave them, than I hated to leave my friends. I had hoped the whole time
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& still hope that this terrible calamity will be averted from
our once glorious country, but [added: now] agitated
& dissevered. I was well taken care of from Staunton to Winchester by
two young ladies, I [added:
reckon
]
[unclear: recon] you think they had a heap to do. I did not start as
soon from home as I had expected to do, from some mismanagement. I have not seen
[added: John] but once since I've been here; went
over this morning to see him, but this was wash day with him. He is well, or at
least I've heard nothing the contrary. 3 of our men were shot a few days ago,
one by [unclear: a] Yankee & the other two accidentally. All of
them still living but badly wounded. We have religious services in our company
every night, conducted by different members of the company, had two sermons last
Sabbath. Have no regular chaplain, as I know of. You must excuse this short
& badly written epistle. I have now an opportunity
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of sending
it [illeg.] to watch for opportunities to send mail as the
mail is not regularly brought. You must remember me. My love to whom you please.
Direct to Martinsburg, Care of Capt J.J. White. Write soon. It will be a great
pleasure to me to hear from you any time. I have heard nothing from the
neighborhood since I've been here.
I remain your friend sincerely
Jno. P. Lightner
