The following letter was written by William Dickenson Stone (1836-1908), the son of Edmund Stone (1805-1840) and Nancy Chapman Dickenson (1809-1854) of Cartersville, Pittsylvania county, Virginia. William did not marry until after the war, in 1867, to Mary Rosa Parker (1848-1931)—12 years his junior. He lived in Franklin county, Virginia, after the war.

During the Civil War, William entered the service as a private on 27 May 1861 in Co. E, 6th Virginia Cavalry. He was commissioned a lieutenant on 20 April 1862 and often signed the pay rolls as commander of his company. The regiment fought in Jackson’s Valley Campaign and in the conflicts at Second Manassas, Brandy Station, Upperville, Fairfield, Bristoe, Mine Run, The Wilderness, Todd’s Tavern, Spotsylvania, Haw’s Shop, and Cold Harbor. The regiment went on to take part in Early’s Shenandoah Valley operations and the Appomattox Campaign.

William’s letter makes a reference to the Confederate victory at Chickamauga in northern Georgia where Bragg’s army turned back Rosecrans’ army, forcing them to retreat back to Chattanooga. “We all are perfectly elated with the good news from Bragg’s army and I am at this moment anxiously awaiting the arrival of the mail to hear further particulars but must confess I feel some little apprehension from the fact that army has always been so unsuccessful. But Longstreet is there now which will doubtless change the tide of events for he has veteran soldiers who have never known defeat.”

Transcription

Orange county, Virginia
September 25, 1863

Dear Sue,

Your last letter was received a few days ago while on the march to meet the enemy but they retired before we met them. Consequently we did not get into action but have been on the march several days which is my excuse for the delay. We are again settled down at the same place near Morton’s Ford on the Rapidan.

There is no news of importance with this army but all are perfectly elated with the good news from Bragg’s army and I am at this moment anxiously awaiting the arrival of the mail to hear further particulars but must confess I feel some little apprehension from the fact that army has always been so unsuccessful. But Longstreet is there now which will doubtless change the tide of events for he has veteran soldiers who have never known defeat.

You wrote a good deal about the girls who in fact bother my mind very little at present but if any think enough to enquire after me, tell them I am still open to conviction by the power of their charms (that is!) provided my ind undergoes a change which is not altogether impossible. You and Mollie need not acquaint all the girls with my intention of living a bachelor’s life. Then they would barely respect me for none but marrying men are popular with them and I don’t care to be kicked out of society entirely before my time comes of my own choice.

Everything is so dull here. There is nothing to write about. Tell Sallie her letter was received yesterday and I will write to her tomorrow or next day. This leaves myself and friends well. Write soon. Direct to Orange County, 6th Virginia, Lamar’s Brigade.

My love to all anxious friends and accept the warmest love of your absent brother, — Wm. D. Stone