Camp Deas, near Youngs Mill, 2d
March, 1862
My very dear Wife:
I
wrote you a few days ago in anticipation of a march and an attack upon Newport
News. We are still here, and I think that expedition given out for the present.
We have been ordered and have sent all our heavy baggage to the rear, with an
order to have our tents pitched about ten miles from here towards Williamsburg,
so we may be marched back instead of forward in a few days. It seems to be the
general policy to draw our lines in, and not undertake to defend so much
country with our small forces compared with the enemies.
I expect it will be
right rough going into tents this season of the year, after being two months in
comfortable log huts, but that good Heavenly Father which has kept me in health
so far still reigns and will temper the weather (wind) to the shorn lamb. I
will trust Him to the last. I do not know when I shall be able to get home and
will have to be content.
I wanted to go up
to recruit my Company for the war, but Providence seems to be against it, and I
submit willingly, knowing that He knows what is best and the end will prove it.
Say to Bro. David if he can get any recruits for my Company to do so.
I think if you will
direct your letters to Capt. Jno. S. Walker, 15th Regt., Virga.
Vols., Yorktown, I think I will get
them. I cannot now say where I will be a few days hence.
I do earnestly hope
that the uprising of a nation to prayer on fast day is to tell for our present
and eternal good as a people, and that Christians everywhere will continue
constant prayer for our speedy deliverance from our enemies. Prayer with its
attendant blessings of Heavenly recognition and Divine interposition alone can
save us, and not our strong arm alone in which we have boasted and trusted.
Give my love to all
and kiss the dear little ones for father, and may the Lord continues His
comfort and protection to you all.
Your affectionate
husband,
Jno.
S. Walker
P. S. Sunday evening. We have
orders to have two days’ rations cooked and I think it more than probable that
we will march tomorrow for Newport News to attack it. I shall go trusting in
God and entrusting you and the children to His care. Remember us in your
prayers, and come what may, life or death, prison or liberty, let your faith in
the promise that all things work together for good sustain you. Say nothing
about the movement and give no credit to idle rumors you may hear.
Ever
yours affectionately,
Jno.
S. Walker
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