The following letter was written by Peachy Gilmer Breckinridge (1835-1864), the son of Cary Breckinridge (1795-1866) and Emma Walker Gilmer (1807-1893) of Botetourt county, Virginia. He attended VMI 1853-55, the College of William & Mary and the University of Virginia School of Law 1857-58. He journeyed to New Mexico with the Pacific Railroad Exploring Expedition in 1858-59. At his return, he practiced law in Fincastle. He was known by his mother’s maiden name, Gilmer. 

Gilmer was a candidate on 14 Feb 1861 to represent Botetourt County in the Virginia State Convention that passed the Ordinance of Secession 17 April 1861. His platform being the most thorough for the preservation of the Union, he proposed if there must be war, to fight IN, and not OUT, of the Union. He was defeated, but “when he recognized the duty he owed to Virginia, he recruited and equipped a company for the service”. Major Breckinridge raised and equipped a company of Infantry, and was made Captain of Co. K, 28th Virginia Infantry. In re-election of the company, he was ousted April 28, 1862. He then joined the State Line, recruited a company for it and was promoted to the rank of Major, March 13, 1 863. When the State Line was disbanded, he joined his brother’s company, the Second Virginia Cavalry April 21, 1863 and served as Color Sergeant from May 1863. He was appointed Acting Captain of Company B in May 1864. He was killed in action at Kennon’s Landing on the James River May 24, 1864. His body was never recovered. 

Gilmer was married in 1860 to Julia Anthony (1832-1917), pictured below.

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Camp Withers [near Centreville, Fairfax county, Va.]
February 23rd 1862

My Dearest Julia,

We came to camp today and I received your letter of the 17th. I had been here some time before I got it and thought that there was nothing for me and was coming into the house to write to you when John handed me the letter. In my last letter I said I would write as soon as I returned whether I had heard from you or not.

We had  tolerably good weather on picket although it rained or rather sprinkled nearly all last night. The shelter of pine tops kept off nearly all the rain and I read till after ten by  firelight. The regiment went on a scout but soon returned. I was left behind in  command of the pickets. The road was very muddy coming back. We found our Lt. Colonel here and the Colonel is expected tonight.

I have twenty men now re-enlisted for the war. I have not taken in any for two years as some captains have. I expect several  tomorrow. The re-enlistment does not extend to commissioned officers but all of us will go in for the war. We got no furlough or bounty by it so that there is no use of our  being mustered in as privates until our re-election [as officers] is defeated. We have nearly as many re-enlisted men as any company in the regiment although we have to serve til August while the others go out soon; and when you recollect that all of mine are in for the war, while  the others have taken in a good many for only two years.

When I wrote to you about  paying the Chahoon debts, I thought there would be some cash & that the bonds might be taken in part payment, deducting the interest. I have not heard from Mr. [ ] yet. I am sorry to hear of Mrs. Pendleton’s misfortune. You ought to write to cousin Cornelia. My legs are in danger of being broken at any time, and neck too if the Yankees catch me.

Mr. Horsley who used to live, and I expect still lives, on the Peak, is in our  regiment and told me that he was a nephew of Clifford Cable. He must be the man who told me off some time ago. He belongs to a Bedford company and is a Quartermaster Sergeant of the regiment.

Lieut. Kelly got back while we were on picket. He is looking  very well. Mr. Saunders is not among the re-enlisted as I expected he would be. It is bed time and I must stop till morning. I have had a tub of water brought in to take a good wash before going to bed. We have a fine tub made of half a barrel. This was a whisky barrel but a flour barrel makes a first rate tub. Try it if you need one.

Monday. I have been all the morning taking in re-enlisted men and making off accounts for bounty, &c. We now have 22 and expect a few more today. No company has a 28, I believe. It is too late to write more. Love to Uncle & the baby. Write soon. Your dearest one, — P. G. B.