The following letter was written by William Bower Simmons (1838-1917) who was enrolled as a student at Roanoke College when the Civil War erupted. He left school immediately and enlisted as a private in William T. Patton’s Blue Ridge Rifles (Co. A) of the 28 Virginia Infantry. This regiment was mustered into service on 16 May 1861 at Lynchburg for a period of one year. Muster rolls show him present for duty until the 2nd of October when he was sent to a hospital (consistent with his letter), and then subsequently sent home on sick furlough.
William reenlisted with his company in the spring of 1862 but never returned from his sick furlough until 26 March 1863, though he was still unable to perform duty and was sent again to the hospital on 3 May 1863. He returned to duty on 7 March 1864 and was wounded on 18 June 1864. There are no subsequent entries in the muster rolls but a note in his on-line ancestry claims that he was “shot in the back at Howlett’s House. Recovered in Richmond hospital.”
William had a younger brother that also served with him in the same company named Edmond Orleans Simmons (1843-1862). Edmond was seriously wounded in the Battle of Gaines Mill on 27 June 1862 and died at Richmond on 6 August 1862.
After the war, William became a lawyer and subsequently served as a Botetourt county supervisor and judge for many years. William was the son of Anthony Kessler Simmons (1810-1886) and Sophia Bower (1811-1885) of Boutetourt county.
[Note: This letter is from the personal collection of Greg Herr and was transcribed and published on Spared & Shared by express consent.]
Transcription
Blue Ridge Botetourt, Virginia December 16, 1861
Dear friend Bent,
I suppose that you think that I have forgotten you and all about former times and associations, but not so. Memory still holds on to her empire, but circumstances does not always allow her to carry out her wishes. This has been the case with myself. Since I last saw you I have seen many of the ups and downs of this uncertain world. Often desire would tell me that I ought to write to my different friends and associates but time and opportunities has not permitted me to do so.
I certainly have seen the Elephant of camp life and the Tiger of acting the Soldier in all its different characteristics. I worked and fought on the Sabbath. Was exposed to all the fury of the storms of battle and the hazard of picket guard. Have slept upon the ground with no shelter save the starry vaults of the blue heavens. And as it seems that I should know all of the trials and sufferings of the soldier.
I was attacked on the 2nd of October with a most malignant spell of the Typhoid fever, which accounts for this sheet bearing the address of hime. I reached home on the 7th of October which is just ten weeks ago, very sick indeed. I remember of getting home and sending for the Dr. and of him bleeding me. But I told him then, just as I got in the house and laid down on a bed, that my mind was leaving me. From that time, I don’t know what I did or where I was for nearly four weeks. Then it seemed as if I was recovering for several weeks. In fact, I had gotten so that I could walk about in the house for several days but this was not to last long.
On the night of the 16th of November, I was attacked with Peritonitis which is a disease that sometimes follows Typhoid fever and is one of the most dangerous maladies to which man is heir. Everyone who saw me thought that I was about making my exit out of this world. In fact, I thought for several days that I would die; in truth, it was not much that I have to brag of that I didn’t die. My Dr. says that I never can get as low again with any disease.
But now I am improving again tolerably rapidly considering that I have been sick so long. I am reduced to a mere skeleton. I can make out to walk about the house and out on the porch if the sun shines though I am still very weak and debilitated. The Dr. says that it will take all winter for me to rally so I expect to be at home tlll spring. And when I do go to camp again, I expect to get discharged and exempted from military duty.
The other boys are all at home. They have all three been very sick but are all nearly well again and expect to go to camp in a month or two as they will be fit for duty in that time.
From all prospects I think that there will be a dull Christmas with us this year. Lock Obenshain is teaching school in the neighborhood. Don’t you think he is very sociable. He was to see me once since I have been at home. Jimmy was well last week. He is still in camp. I must close. Answer immediately. Your attached friend, — Wm. B. Simmons
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.
Julia Matilda (Anthony) Breckinridge, wife of Peachy Gilmer Breckinridge
Transcription
Addressed to Mrs. Julia M. Breckinridge, Pattonsburg, Botecourt Co., Virginia
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.
The following letter was written by Lt. Alexander H. Hoge of Co. I, 28th Virginia Infantry. Hoge enlisted at Salem, Roanoke county, Virginia, on 13 May 1861 as a private in Co. K originally but was transferred to Co. I by September. He was made 4th Sergeant on 12 December 1861 and commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant of Co. I on 28 April 1862. He was wounded on 27 June at Gaines’ Mill but returned to his regiment in time to be wounded again at Boonsboro on 14 September 1862, shot through both hips and left on the field where he was taken prisoner. He was exchanged by mid-December 1862 from Fort McHenry, and then furloughed for recovery. By the time this letter was written in mid-December 1864, Alexander had not been with his regiment for over two years and was only now being returned to duty as an invalid, having been promoted to 1st Lieut. on 5 November 1864.
From this letter we learn that Alexander anticipated being assigned duty as an enrolling officer.
Alexander was the son of James Hoge (1807-1885) and Juliett Howard (1809-1859). The brother he had not heard from for “so long a time” was Sergt. John Milton Hoge (1844-1913) who served in Co. F, 8th Virginia Cavalry. Alexander was married in 1867 to Sallie E. Whitesett and later lived in Kentucky and Missouri.
Camp Lee, Head Quarters, near Richmond. Illustration for Harper’s Pictorial History of the Civil War (McDonnell Bros, 1886).
Transcription
Camp Lee Richmond, Virginia December 14, 1864
Mrs. Shirey,
According to promise, I will now write you a few lines. After considerable suspense and delay, I have at last received my orders to report to Maj. Gen. [James (“Jimmy”) Lawson] Kemper. I was almost in hopes they had forgotten me and that I would be permitted to remain at home for six months at least. I reported to Gen. Kemper last Friday. He assigned me to Col. Shields and Col. Shields gave orders to the Quartermaster & Commissary to furnish me with quarters &c. at Camp Lee until I am assigned to duty as enrolling officer and sent away. It is probable that I will remain here all winter as all the officers of the state who are in my condition are ordered here and advised to come prepared to make their home at Camp Lee for the winter.
I have a very good room and a sufficiency of wood and water but my room is badly furnished. If I had a good bed, I would be very happily situated. Mr. Harlowe is here endeavoring to be placed on light duty. He has been sleeping in my room as his quarters are very bad. Mr. Page is said to be here but I have not seen him. I saw two of the Reserve boys in town last night—Stephens & Whitsett.
We hear cannonading almost every day. It is said that a general engagement is imminent but it has been too cold for the last few days. Mr. Hammond is in camp with the Cadets not very far from the city but I have not seen him yet. I was to Edward McCauley last night. He is improving slowly. Mrs. McCauley expected to start home today. Edward will get a furlough as soon as the Dr. thinks he is able to travel. 1
I have not heard from my Bro. for so long a time that I am becoming uneasy for his safety. If any more letters come for me to Salem, forward them to Camp Lee, Richmond, Va. Give my kindest regards to my friends in Salem, especially to Mr. Shirey, Miss Maggie, and Katie.
I am ever yours, very truly, — A. H. Hoge
1 Believe this to be the same Edward McCauley who served as a private in the 1st. Co., Milligan’s Independent Signal Corps.
The following letters were written by 43 year-old Pvt. William (“Bill”) Buford Ayers (1820-1892) of Co. B, 28th Virginia Infantry who was recruited into the regiment on 17 August 1863 at Bedford, Virginia, for the duration of the war.
A middle-aged Reb holding a flintlock musket
William was the son of John Wesley Ayers (1787-1848) and Mary C. Powers (1788-1859) of Bedford county, Virginia. He was married in 1856 to Charlotte Morgan Lukens (1839-1920). Several of William’s brothers fought for the Confederacy. Pvt. James Wayne Ayers (1812-1890) of Lowry’s Company, Virginia Light Artillery. John and Samuel served in Co. I, 58th Virginia Infantry. Another brother, Elijah Quarles Ayers served with William in the 28th Virginia, Co. K, from the time of its formation until his death on 10 August 1862 from wounds received at the Battle of Seven Pines on 1 June 1862. A younger brother, Richard P. Ayers, served in Co. I, 58th Virginia Infantry and later transferred to Co. F, 2nd Virginia Cavalry until he was taken prisoner at Gettysburg and died of disease as a POW at Point Lookout, Maryland in January 1864. Jonathan Hersey (“Herse”) Ayers (1824-1887) served in Co. B, 14th Virginia Infantry.
Letter 1
Union prisoners being guarded by Rebel troops on Belle Isle at Richmond, Virginia.
Camp Lee (west side of Richmond, Va.) November 8th 1863
I again take my seat to drop you a few lines to let you know how we are a getting along. I and Cap are both well and hearty & have been & I hope when these few lines come to hand, you may all be enjoying the same great blessing. I have no strange news to write. We have moved in to our winter quarters. They are very comfortable plank houses with brick chimneys in the middle. They are set in the rear of head quarters. There is about one hundred men to a house. There is six men to a bunk, 3 in a berth. I and Cap & Wm. B. Jones sleep together. We sleep very warm. We have 12 blankets. I have 3 and a oil cloth. Cap has 2. Jones has 7.
We are guarding. The Yankees has little now down close to the Rocketts [Landing]. We have a long walk. We leave our camp at 8 o’clock in the morning & get back about ten next day. It is a very good place to stand guard. We have good quarters when off of post. I had rather kept going down to Belle Island for we could of made as much money as we wanted. Some men made some two hundred dollars a day. I made $50 one day out of what cost me 13. I expect Cap has made upwards of $100 dollars. They talk of sending some of the Yankees to Danville & some to Lynchburg and if any of our men have to go with them to Lynchburg, I do intend to try to come with them.
I am very well satisfied here. We are drawing corn meal sometimes & bread some days. Bacon some days, beef and rice & peas. Sugar has run out. We are living very well now but I don’t think it can hold out. Everything is selling so high in Richmond. Flour rises from 15 to 20 dollars a day. It is worth $1.25 per barrel now. Pork $2.25 per pound. Beef $1.25 & everything else is high according that is to eat. I do expect that meat will be pressed in the country soon though I am in hopes it will not be done.
I did expect to of got a letter last week from someone in the neighborhood but was disappointed. I have not heard from anyone since I got one from Charl[otte] dated the 25th of October. I wrote to James last week 7 to Sam. I thought that Ab or John would of written to me before now and let me know how they were a getting along.
Cap is on the guard today. He says he wants to hear from home and hear how Mat is a getting along and whether Tom has left for the army or not.
Well, Herse, I want you to write me how you are a getting along with your work. Do not be afraid of a little paper. I would like to be at home a few days but there is no chance yet. You never said anything about whether you got my answer to yours respecting the land sale though I reckon S.W.O. told you what I thought about it. Confederate money will not buy land about here now.
Well, Herse, if I had the chance of being free now and had the chance to trade here, I could make as much money as i would want. Shoes are worth from $20 to 50. Boots $15 to 75. If I had my leather made in shoes and here, it would bring a pile. Well, Charl[lotte], I want to see you very bad. I hope I have your prayers to sustain me this out of trouble. [I’m] hoping the time will soon come that we will soon see each other on earth. But if it is not our lot, I hope to meet you in heaven. Take care of the children. I must close hoping to hear from you all soon. You have my best wishes. May God bless you all is my prayer. So no more but remain your husband and brother till death. — Wm. B. Ayers
to C. M. Ayers & J. H. Ayers
You must excuse mistakes for there is so much fuss and bustle here.
Letter 2
Camp Lee June 9th 1864
Dear Brother & Wife,
I take this opportunity to let you know that our company has been disbanded & the most of us have to go to the field. I expect to go to the 28th Regiment & all the rest of the Bedford boys will go there too.
Well, Herse, I have sent another box to Liberty by the express. I started it today & I want you to get it home as soon as you convenient so they may be saved. They are packed very tight and are sort of damp. You will see a list of each man’s things sent in the box. you can open to take out my & Cap’s things. The box is J. B. Miles, his wife, so when it comes. Also E[dward] T. Nances’ wife also, so they may get them.
I am sorry to have to leave here on account of being convenient to the Post Office. I fear I cannot hear from you all often when I leave here. I don’t think anything will hurt me if I can shun the balls. I can hope for the best if the worst comes. I do not want any of you to be uneasy about me for I am going to try to take care of number one. Those lines leave me well and hope when they come to hand, it may find you all well.
Cap was sent before the board today & was sent back to the hospital again. He is about like he has ben for some time. I do not know where to tell you where to send your letters to till I get to my command. you can write to Cap. He may stay here some time. Our army is close round Richmond. I expect you know as much about the war news as I can tell. I have seen all of the late cavalrymen here so I will sign off hoping you all may be spared to live & make out well.
Well, J. H., I hope you will take care of Charlotte and the children. So no more but as ever, remain your brother and wife [husband] till death. May God bless and spare us to meet again on earth. If not, may we meet in heaven. — Wm. B. Ayers
to J. H. Ayres & C. M Ayers
[List of clothing sent in box belonging to W. B. Ayres, E. Q. Ayres, E. G. Nanees, and J[oseph] R. Miles.]
Letter 3
Camp near Chester Station June 19th 1864
Dear wife,
I take this chance to send you a few lines as Mr. Wi____ K______tt is in camp. I have no good news to write. I left Camp Lee [the] 9th & got to the Regiment the 12th. Then started the next day on a march. We went some 15 miles that day & rested 2 days. Then we had a forced march across the south side of the James River where we met up with the Yankees & gave them a hot time for awhile & drove them out of our breastworks. We lost some few killed & some wounded. We are right in front of them now in our breastworks firing into each others pickets. We had a hot skirmish fight yesterday. We had several killed & some wounded. I guess we will have a hot time here soon.
I was in one skirmish fight. The balls whistled like bees round me but none never touched me. One ball went through E[dward] T. Nance’s pants & burnt his skin a little. We have had a very hard time since I have been with the company though I have stood it very well. I feel very well today & I hope I may have good health so I may be able to do my duty as a soldier.
Dear wife, I do not want you to make your self uneasy about me. If I ever have the misfortune to never see you again. I hope you may be spared to have good health so you can raise our children [even] if we are run over with the Yanks. I hear the Yankees is up in Bedford [County] now. I am afraid they may come in to our neighborhood & destroy all you have to live on though I hope they may be drove back from there.
I am in the 28th Regiment, Company B, from Craig county. They are quite clever men & I am very well pleased. All of our Bradford boys are here with me. I saw J. M. J. Ayers the 11th but did not have the opportunity of talking to him. He was well. I left Cap at the hospital at Camp Lee. He was no better. Tell [my brother J. H. [Ayres] I am in hopes he can stay at home so he can make something to go on.
Well I must close for this time as I am in a hurry. My respects to you and to all who may enquire after me. May God bless and spare us to see each other again is my prayer. So goodbye for this time. From your true husband, — Wm. B. Ayres
to C. M. Ayres
Direct as follows:
William B. Ayres Richmond, Virginia Pickett’s Division Hunton’s Brigade 28th Regiment Va. Vol. Company B
N. B. I sent a box of clothes by the express to Liberty the 9th and sent you a letter to that effect. if you did not get it, you can send for the things—i.e., mine and Caps, Jo Miles, and E. T. Nance’s.
Letter 4
Camp Chester October 16th 1864
Dear Wife,
I again seat myself to drop you a few lines to let you know that I am tolerable well and hope when this comes to hand it may find you all enjoying the best of health. I am at a loss of what to write to you at this time for it has been so long since I have got any letter from Bedford that I do not know what to think is the cause. I received yours of the 24th of September. That was the last I have heard from anyone up there. This is the 4th letter I have written since I have got one. I am more than anxious to hear from you all & the relation generally.
I can say we are at the same place where we have been ever since we crossed the James River. It is thought now we will stay here this winter. We have put up very good log huts for winter quarters. I have a good one with a brick chimney to it. It is very good cool nights. We have had some very heavy rains of late & some very heavy frosts.
As for war news, I do not know what to say but it does seem like the men are becoming very tired now & I fear from the present prospect it will go on for a long time yet if we can hold out with men & provisions. But the most of the men say they will not stay any longer than next spring. Times here is very hard & from what I learn, it is getting so in the country. I fear the women and children will suffer this winter as well as the soldiers. There is a good many desertions now but if men have their wives and children in want, I fear the army will be broken up.
There has been no fighting in our front. There was a fight on the north side of the Darbytown Road [see Battle of Darbytown Road] Wednesday and we whipped the Yanks.
Well, Charl[otte], under the late order, I guess [my brother] Herse has left for the army by this time & all the rest of the detailed men & I do not [know] how you will make out. I want you to write to me what for a crop you all have made this year & how the molasses & corn turned out, and what is the chance for another year’s meat. I have most forgot about the killing of hogs. If you think you will be scarce of meat and you have not sold those two little steers, you had better fatten one and kill it for a beef though I want you to do what you think is the best for I have [no way to] help you now. I do not know what Herse is a doing or has done; consequently I cannot advise much what you had better do. If Ab has not gone in the service, I am in hopes he will write me soon and give me the points. Also tell Cap to write and let me know how he is a getting along. Tell him B. Leftwih is [in] our company.
Well, as I cannot get any letters by the mail, Mr. R. Debo is at home and if you can contrive a letter to him when he comes back, he will bring it. Well, I will close for this time as I do not think of more than will interest you at this time. I have written so often since I have heard from you all I do not want to say more.
J[oseph] R. Miles sends his respects to you all. He looks somewhat thin but is well except a bad cold. E[dward] T. Nance is improving. C. W. Allen is well.
Charl[lotte], you do not know how bad I do want to see you and the children. you must take care of them & do the best you can. May God bless us and grant us the privilege of seeing each other once more in peace is my prayer. From your true friend and husband, — W. B. Ayers
To C. M. Ayers
Letter 5
Chester Hospital December 19th 1864
Dear Wife,
I again seat myself to drop you a line to let you know how I am. I can say to you that I feel very well this morning. My bowels have got nearly well. I am somewhat weak yet & quite lame. I think I shall be able to go to the regiment in a few days. I was in hopes I could of gotten a furlough to come home but it is very doubtful now as my health is improving fast. I looked for a letter from you this week but have not got any yet. You must not be worried about me for I will take the best care of myself possible. I do hope this may find you all well and doing well.
I have not much news to write. I heard from John & Sam this week. They were bother well. There is not many sick here now. Joseph Dalles left here last Saturday very bad off with the rheumatism. He was sent to Richmond. There has been two divisions of troops here last week from the alley to join Lee’s army. I think there will be fighting all the winter along this line.
I wrote to you in my last letter in answer to yours concerning the steers. Do not trade neither till I write concerning them. Try and keep them in good order. I think you can do better than you have been offered. I think I shall come home before you will need a horse. Then I will be my own judge. Let me know what became of Ab. Give me the news of the neighborhood. So I will close hoping to hear from you son. Give my respects to all enquiring friends & accept a full portion for yourself. Kiss the children for me. So I will close for this time. May God spare us to see each other once more is my prayer. I still remain your true husband till death. — Wm. B. Ayers
To C[harlotte] M. Ayers
N. B. Direct your letters as usual.
Letter 6
Camp near Chester January 22, 1865
Dear Wife,
I am glad to inform you that I received yours of the 14th & of the 7th & was glad you was beset with health. I received those things you sent by Jas. A. & Cap alright. Jas. got here yesterday. Cap went to Camp Lee. I am in hopes he will have the luck to come back home again from what Jas. said about him. I was much pleased with your present to me as a Christmas & New Year’s gift. I do not know when I can pay you for it but I am in hopes I can come & bring it myself though I do not know when it will be. I was glad to have [my brother] Herse had the good luck to come home. I tried to get a furlough to come home while he was there but there is no chance now for me. I’m at a loss to know what to say to him to do as he has been so dilatory about writing to me. I guess he does not want me to know what he is a doing with things at home else he would of let me know. He has done such sorry business, he is ashamed to let me know that I think is the case from what I learn from the men from Bedford. I am sorry it is so. I did expect he would be of made a good crop from what he said to me when I was at home last year. I think he had better hire out his hands if they cannot do better than they did last year. He grumbled at me & I think I have room to say more but I will stop. you can show him this for men have told me everything is going to rack in the plantation. I am sorry to hear it is so. I would like for him to write to me. Then I wouldn’t have to say.
I think I shall get to come home sometime this spring. I am in hopes there will be peace made so we all can get home soon though we do not know what is to take place but something will have to be done for men are very much split up in sentiment now. I do not know what to say will take place this spring. I am in [hopes] from what I can learn that things will change soon. If not, I do not know what the people in the country will do for I learn the press masters are taking most everything that the women and children will do to live. But I believe everybody is for self now and I fear that God is for not many. Tell [my brother] Hearse to write & give me a history of his travels if he will not of home & our business.
This leaves me quite well at this time hoping it may find you & all enjoying the best of health. I have not much news to tell. Everything has been very still down here for some time till last night there was some firing on the picket line. I was on picket yesterday and have not talked with Jas. A. not ten minutes yet. He is as well as usual. Well, I will close for this time. Continue to write. May God bless us is my prayer. I am as ever your true husband & friend till death, — Wm. B. Ayers
to C. M. Ayres
Letter 7
Camp near Chester February 5, 1865
Dear wife,
I again will try and answer yours of 22nd and of the 30th. I was very uneasy when I heard [our son] Milton was sick though you said you would attend to him. That I was satisfied you would do. You said [my brother] Herse had been to Lynchburg & had got 100 dollars [ ] for the Brandy. That looks like a big price but if he has to buy anything, it will not count much—at least from what you said in your last. Herse had not gone back when you wrote.
You said you all was laid up with bad colds. I was sorry to hear that but its common with as cold winter like this has been. Last Friday and Saturday was as cold here as I ever saw. The James River was frozen solid from bank to bank. It would of bore a man to of crossed on it. I saw it myself. I went to see John & Sam at Chaffin’s Farm. I guess they are both at home now from what I have [heard] since I left them. They looked like they were very well smoked & was sick of their hard times [I] am down with the same complaint but I cannot help myself. But I am in hopes there is a better day coming soon. If not, it will be a heap worse. Some men are hope up with the idea of peace as there is men gone to Washington on that business. I fear it will be to no effect.
There is not much [fighting] on our lines. Looks like peace. But the boys have a good deal of fun playing ball. Times is hard & rations scarce. But the men looks very well. From what I learn, we are doing better than some in the country. We never eat but twice a day. I have had plenty for some time but Old Jeff did not furnish it….You said in one of your letters to me something about sending Laura to school. I want her to go all good weather. Tell her she must be smart and learn how to read for Pap when he comes home.
You said I must come and bring you a present. I would so to do but I do not know when that will be but not before April if they do not give more furloughs. You said you had got a nice present from Herse & you was sorry I had written such a letter as I did. I should of not but he would not write to me so I could know what he was a doing or going to do and I think he has treated me with very little respect or he would have written to me sometimes and let me know how things was going on. You said he was writing and would give me the points. I have not received it as yet. I would of have gave a heap to of been there while he was so I could of made some arrangements but I do not care for I think we are all ruined anyhow. It looks like the [ ] has got the reigns in his hands & men so submit to his rules. We have churches all along our lines & a theatre too. The men flock to the theatre & care not much for meeting. That is what has brought us to what we are. The most of head rulers are worse than the old boys, the most of them.
There has been some very heavy shelling over towards Petersburg for the last two days. That does not sound much like peace. Well, Charl[lotte], you must not be uneasy about me. Try and do the best you can for yourself & children till I can come. I am in hopes [brother] Herse will write to me before he goes back. This leave me well as common. I am gaining in flesh very fast. The health of our company is very good now. You must excuse bad writing for my eyesight is so I cannot see to write. I guess I have said enough for this time as I said too much in my last. I want you to tell John I want him to not to forget to do what he promised he would do for me concerning a [ ]. Jas. & T is well. I have not heard from Cap yet [or] what he is doing. My love to you. Kiss the children for me. Give my respects to all. — Wm. B. Ayers
Spared & Shared 23 