Augusta County: Gerald E. Crist to his cousin Mary,
March 18, 1862
Summary:
G. E. Crist writes to his cousin Mary about camp life in general, his worries
about his mother, once the militia is called up. He also writes about his
growing urge to fight and his faith that they will eventually win the war.
March 18th 1862
Camp Alleghany
Dear Cousin
I received your kind letter of the Fourteenth which was read with much pleasure. I was glad to hear from you as well as from home. I have been well since I wrote to you. The boys are generally well. We are all getting along very well. We have good times here now, not much to do and plenty to eat. There is not much news here now except that of the malitia. There has not been any recruits came here yet but we are expecting some before long. Some of the men have reenlisted to go into a Cavalry company. Cousin John M. Baylor has joined that company. I have not re-enlisted yet and I do not intend until our time is out, perhaps I may have a chance to stay at home but if I have to go again I intend to go in a volenteer company. I am sorry to hear that the malitia have to be called out. I know there will be hard times with those who are left at home. But they will have make the best of it as we are into trouble and must get out the best way that we can.
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Well cousin Mary I do pity poor George but I cant cry for he has as good reason to go as the rest of the boys. I know
they will have hard times as well as many others who are already in the field.
I do not know what Mother is to do for she cannot say by herself. I know of no plan to suggest unless she can get someone stay with her to attend to the beasts. If she could hire some person to plant a little corn and sow some oats, but she can do as she thinks best. I would be glad if you could stay with her if you could. I know she will be very lonesome. You must all do the best you can and do not get alarmed at every thing that you hear for it is half true that you hear. keep your courage up and do not think we are to be subdued so easy. Our cause is a just one and I believe the God of battles will be with us, and bring us off victorious in the end. There is some talk here that we will have to fall back to Staunton but I do no think that we will leave this point yet. I have just heard that the malitia in this county pendleton and highland have been ordered to this place next thursday.
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Tell Mother that I am not in need of any thing but if she has an
opportunity she might send me a box if she does she must send some Sole leather
as it is very scare here. I want my watch more than
any thing. If it is fixed she might send it with Lieutenant Summers. Lieutenant
Lambert or Robert McFarland. James Clinebell has not gotten his box yet but I
suppose he will get it as soon as a train comes out. Luther R. Waid went home
some time ago and Capt Humphreys had him arrested
and sent out here he has just arrived and is in the guard
house. There is about Twenty Five men in the guard house, most of which
have run the Blockade as we call it, went home without
permission. While have been writing the boys are quite merry. This is a fine day
and a good many of the boys are washing their clothes. I have not learned to
wash yet I always get some one else to wash for me. I do not cook either the
mess that I stay in have John Engleman hired to cook. We pay him seventy five
cents apiece when the bread is baked for us and One Dollar when we get flour.
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I believe I have written all that would interest you. you must write
soon and tell me all the news in old Augusta. Give my love to all inquiring
friends. I do not want to see home until the yankeys
are all driven from our soil I feel more like fighting, now than I have since I
have been in the service. I must close for this time
I remain your Cousin
G. E. Crist
Direct to Staunton Company I 52nd Reg. Va. Vol. care of Col.
J.B. Baldwin.
Lewis Dull is well and sends his respects to you and
Mother. When you write let me know where Ezra and the Malitia are
