Augusta County: John H. Cochran to His Mother, May
24, 1861
Summary:
Cochran talks about being stationed along the Potomac River and says that he is
expecting an attack at any time.
Mother
May 24th 61
Marlbourough Point, Stafford Co. Va
Dear Mother
Your letter was received several days ago but this is the first opportunity I have had of answering it.
We are stationed here between two batteries for the purpose of defending either
in case of attack. We are now upon the extreme boundery of the Southern Confederacy with nothing to divide us from the
Black Republican despotism but the broad waters of the Potomac. How I wish that
we were on the other side and in full march upon Washington. We are in camp at
this place constantly expecting an attack. We have thrown out two picket on the
river with instructions to fire into man or vessel which refuses to answer hail.
I was stationed in one of the pickets last night about 1 O'clock the sentinell called us up on account of a suspissious craft which was enterring a small creek near us. We were in the highest state of
exultation at the idea of a fight atlast. I still
suffer from my foot but I hope that it will be well soon. We suffer some
inconvenience of course as what soldiers do not. But so long as my arm or my
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life is necessary it is at the service of my country.
I gave all of my valuable papers to Annie to take care of. And feel confident that they are perfectly safe.
Hoping all are well I remain your affectionate son
J. H. Cochran
P.S. It is with extreme difficulty that I wrote as I have
no ink and am writing on a box. J.H.C.
We had an allarm here last night produced by heavy cannonading which we
thought was at Acquia creek. We were up and ready packed for a march and
fight in five minutes. It now appears that it was an attack upon Alexandria.
May 25th 61 J.H.C.
