Saturday 13 July 2013

J. S. Walker's Letter (Dec. 27, 1861)

Camp near Youngs Mills,
27th Dec., 1861

My very dear Wife:

            I wrote you Christmas day before my dinner party, which came off according to program, including oysters.
            I am now satisfied we will remain here, and I wish you to send down by Mr. Morris anything you have to contribute to my comfort. If he will see Capt. Fitzhugh Mayo he will let him send them down by steamer he has charge of, which will land them at Youngs Mills very near our camp.
            My health is excellent. Tomorrow I am on picket duty with my Company in the woods. There is nothing new. You see by the papers the probability of the U.S. acceding to England’s demands. Pray earnestly that the Lord will turn our wicked hearts as a nation to himself that he may then bless us, otherwise chastisement is necessary to bring us to him. This is a dull place, but I have my moments of peace and quiet to myself and time for my devotion.
            I must close, with a kiss for the children, as this letter must be off by Capt. Atkinson.


                                                Yours very affectionately,
                       

                                                            Jno. S. Walker