The following letter was written by Sergt. Major John Arthur Johnston (1828-1899) who was a wholesale grocer in Petersburg, Virginia, before the American Civil War. The partnership was called, “Donnan and Johnston.” At the breaking out of the war, Johnston volunteered to become the post quartermaster of the CSA at Norfolk. When Norfolk was evacuated, he was placed in charge of the quartermaster’s department of Mahone’s Brigade. He was subsequently made quartermaster of Anderson’s Division which place he held until the end of the war.

Returning to Petersburg after the war, he was elected sheriff and served 14 years in that capacity, He was also at one time a director in the Atlantic, Mississippi & Ohio Railroad Company.

This letter was written to Alexander Donnan, his former partner in the grocery business.

[Note: This letter is from the personal collection of Greg Herr and was made available for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by express consent.]

Transcription

Army of Northern Virginia
Camp near Fredericksburg, Va.
March 28, 1863

Mr. Alexander Donnan, dear friend,

Your valued letter of the 18th inst. reached me a few days ago. Pease accept my thanks for the prompt attention given and your prompt reply.

You can arrange the necessary papers to revise the decree at your convenience and send then to me by mail and I will have them executed and returned when the decree is secured. We can [ ] the date of sale terms, &c.

All quiet at present along our [front] although we are busy preparing for an active Spring Campaign and are ordered to be in readiness by the 1st of April. I think Gen. Lee’s Order looks to heavy work and bloody deeds and I would not be surprised if we again entered Maryland. Of this, however, no one knows. As soon as the weather will allow, we shall no doubt be up and doing. All baggage and clothing in excess is ordered back to Richmond until the campaign is over. God grant that the result will be more fruitful of peace than those of the last campaign.

William and Andrew send their love. If we should move, I shall furnish you with the post office. Adieu. My love to all. Believe me your friend, — J. A. Johnston