14 May 1863. Richard [Watkins], in camp near Orange Co[urt] Ho[use], to his brother, Nat[haniel V. Watkins].

14 May 1863. Richard [Watkins], in camp near Orange Co[urt] Ho[use], to his brother, Nat[haniel V. Watkins].

United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865.

Watkins family.

Civil War correspondence; 14 May, 1863. 4 pp. ALS.

Watkins, Richard.

Nathaniel V. Watkins Family Papers, 1846-1889, Mss. 39.1 W32.142, Box 1, Folder 11

Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary

1863-05-14

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Text

Mss. 39.1 W32.142

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Camp near Orange CoHo

May 14th 1863

Dear Bro Nat

The announcement of the
death of dear little Charles affected me
deeply. I had heard of the fatal character
of the disease prevailing in the neighbour-
hood but was wholly unprepared for such
an event. But Oh how grateful we ought
to feel that his death corresponded so beautifully
with his life. How little of suffering, of disease
of the many find, of sin did he experience
in his brief bright little journey through life.
He is [ ? ] and the [reach?] of suffering & [ ? ]
His parents and his little sister must struggle
on with the ills of life a few more days with the
[chastening ?] hand of a merciful God and heavily
upon their [country?] & themselves when they too [ ? ]
[ ? ] will be led by the same gently shepherd
to the more bright & happy world. Is not the
hope of the Christian our only comfort in times
like these? [taking ?] [ ? ] [ ? ] to cling
close to God to confide more in his mercy & truth
& in his precious promises to strive after that

[Pg 2]

measure of grace which will lead us to trust
in him implicitly under all circumstances and
really to believe that he doeth all things right
and well. Let us also endeavour to heed his
solemn admonition “Be ye also ready for at
such an hour as ye think not the son of man
cometh.” I feel much for Sister Nannet. In
your absence she will be more frequently and
more painfully reminded of the sad bereavement.
May the great God of Heaven comfort and
sustain her. – When you write her always
send my love & sympathy. Wish very much
that Mary could visit her and stay with
her for a time, but Mary’s condition at
present is not such as to admit of it.

With regard to the business part
of your letter I of course cannot carry
out my plans after the [houts?] which you
have given me, but [I] am not the less
tired of the cavalry service, completely
worn out by constantly moving & marching
& watching My health however continues
good, very good. The health of our whole
command has been excellent for many months
past altho’ we have passed through many

[Pg 3]

and great hardships. The death of Genl.
Jackson has cast a deep gloom over the
Army. His life will ever be regarded as one
of the most brilliant on record as well by
other nations, as our own. God can and if
it be best for us will supply his place.

Our Regiment is at present enjoying a
brief resting spell. In a beautiful forest of
are
oak & hickory we have ^ lounging about, sur-
rounded with green pastures in which hundreds
of horses are grazing. Genl. Stuart is collect-
ing a very large force of cavalry just here,
of course we know not the object. Hampton’s
brigade, Wm H Lee’s Brigade, Fitz Lee’s Brigade,
the 3rd Regt. Arkansas Mounted Rifle men are all
here and we hear that Genl. Jenkins’ cavalry
are not far off. It may be that he intends
punishing Sherman for his late raid or
retaliating by going over into Maryland or
Pennsylvania. Our Brigade has been doing
so much of late that we need rest more
than plunder but if a raid is made we
will doubtless be required to go along.
We find it difficult to get newspapers and
hear very little news. I hear it said this

[Pg 4]

morning that Lincoln has called out 500,000
additional troops and thus this horrible
war goes on. Well, if I am not killed
I hope to see the old fellow through some
of these days.

Am a member of a [Board?] to examine &
condemn horses unfit for service and as
that [board?] will soon meet must bring
my letter to a close. Give my kindest
regards to all of my acquaintances in [yr?]
company. I will always be delighted to
hear from you and can get a letter
at any time addressed to Co [ ? ] 3d Reg. Va.
Cavalry 2d Brigade. – Richmond Va. –

Farewell Yr Bro

Richard.