Augusta County: Tony Pastor to Annie Harris, April
9, 1861
Summary:
Pastor writes that the Governor has replaced many of the higher officers with
appointments, hurting troop morale. Tony himself is sick, but only with a cold,
and he is on the mend. He writes that he hopes a home guard has been organized
to protect the women of Augusta.
Apr 9 / 61
Head Quarters, Harpers Ferry Va
Dear Annie,
I have written to you twice & as yet have received no answer. I have not
heard one word direct from home yet. I imagine some have been sent, but oweing to the diranged state
of mail affairs I have received none There is more confusion here at this time
than has been heretofore. oweing to the fact, that our
commanders have all been superceded by an appointment from the
[unclear: convention] - or rather the Governor wich has caused considerable dissatisfaction among the soldiers
generally. I wish they would settle matters some way or other, & let us
get back home for I cant see any good that we are doing
here now. It is thought that all our officers ranking from captains will be
superceded by this order of the Governor. Gen
Harman Harper & Col Baylor are all in
powerful stew about it & I wouldn't be surprised if we all
c[unclear: eceede ] & go home
[page 2]
I will not trouble you with a long letter from the fact that I have not got time to write a long one, we are in fine spirits. I am unwell myself having caught a cold. but I am considerably better this morning, & hope that with care I will be all right in [added: a] few days. Give my love to all my friends & tell them, I hope it will not be long before I will have the pleasure of seeing them again. If however the fates have decried otherwise I hope to be able to meet them in that better land "where the wicked cease from trouble, & the weary will be forever at rest"
I see you are all forming home guards for the purpose of protecting our lady
friends that are behind. I hope that you all may find protection from the good
old citizens of Augusta - write me on the reception of this & [deleted: ] me all the [illeg.] & how you are all getting
along. the boys bother me so that I cant write so I'll
git for the present
[page 3]
you [deleted: must] keep all the boys
in good spirits. I suppose some of my friends are glad that I am gone, &
hope that I may never return - as there are some who have not much love for me.
To them I hope you will give my best love.
P.S.
Do not let any one see this as you know what
will be said. when I have more time I will write you a long letter. till
then adieu Tony Pastor
Direct your letter
To the care Capt. N. J. Williams
Harpers Ferry Va
