tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78273762221123966682024-03-19T10:26:20.270+00:00What Color is Butternut?A journal of the Civil War, little toy soldiers, and family history.joe5mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13381588340232280771noreply@blogger.comBlogger132125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827376222112396668.post-49403324766574570442020-12-03T13:53:00.000+00:002020-12-03T13:53:18.213+00:00The 16th South Carolina in the Battle of Resaca<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUr2kNHeTfMe44U0SALu7GsAWlyOEdi87GrMSUhD4VIV_oAJtNTKixYYpnMQXKNtiAIKCjY6MHJLcqM4yexhHkui1nu2TIeIT0rx8Lwb0FlKiXii5faIfgDhGZ-Wb89XFm8Ni90Wlu0g/s640/service-pnp-cph-3c00000-3c02000-3c02000-3c02052r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="514" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUr2kNHeTfMe44U0SALu7GsAWlyOEdi87GrMSUhD4VIV_oAJtNTKixYYpnMQXKNtiAIKCjY6MHJLcqM4yexhHkui1nu2TIeIT0rx8Lwb0FlKiXii5faIfgDhGZ-Wb89XFm8Ni90Wlu0g/s320/service-pnp-cph-3c00000-3c02000-3c02000-3c02052r.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> After their transfer to Western Theater, Col. McCullough
and the 16<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">th</span> South Carolina Vol. virtually disappear from the
official records of the Civil War, accept in occasional force organization
charts. However, they crop back up in this report, which talks about their
activities during the Battle of Resaca, part of the Atlanta campaign.<br /><p></p><p>--------</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p>H</o:p>DQRS. Twenty-fourth South Carolina Vols.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Jonesborough, Ga., September 10, 1864.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Major: In compliance with the late order from brigade
headquarters, I have the honor to report the operations of the Twenty-fourth
South Carolina Volnteers during the campaign from Dalton to Atlanta, embraced
between the 6<sup>th</sup> of My and the 18<sup>th</sup> of July last.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>By the
organization of the Army of Tennessee, in winter quarters at Dalton, the
Twenty-fourth South Carolina Volunteers was attached to Gist’s brigade, Walker’s
division, Hardee’s corps. The brigade was composed of three regiments and a
battalion, viz, the Sixteenth and Twenty-fourth South Carolina Regiments, the
Forty-sixth Georgia, and the Eighth Georgia Battalion…<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">…On the
14<sup>th</sup> [of May] the enemy was reported crossing in force at McGinnis’
Ferry, which is about a mile below Gideon’s Ford. The Sixteenth South Carolina
Volunteers was in front of McGinnis’ Ferry, on the road leading from the ferry
to Calhoun, the distance from the ferry to the town being a short mile. The
general ordered the Twenty-fourth to march rapidly to the support of the
Sixteenth, which order was promptly obeyed. Arriving near the ferry, after a
rapid march of about three miles, we found the Sixteenth retiring slowly before
the force of the enemy, which had crossed. Colonel McCullough, commanding the
Sixteenth, reported to me a strong force in his front, with artillery. After
conferring further with him I deemed it best to move at once against this
force, which was then advancing into a wood in our front. Deploying, and moving
up to the Sixteenth, which had meanwhile halted, and was firing into the woods,
I ordered a charge in concert with the Sixteenth. We easily drove the enemy
back to the river, under cover of his artillery, which was posted on the hill
to the west side, and under its fire the enemy recrossed in our sight. Not a
man was hit in the Twenty-fourth, though there were some casualties in the
Sixteenth. I have no idea of the enemy’s loss, though I am satisfied our fire
galled him at the river…<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">[<i>Soon after, the whole of Gist Brigade is ordered to the
main line, but appears to have remained in reserve for most of the rest of the
battle. The report goes on for quite a bit, but the only other mention of the
16<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">th </span>is when the Major of the Regiment is killed leading the brigade
skirmish force during the fighting around Dallas. It is likely that the 16<span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">th </span>is part of some of the movements and fighting mentioned, but there is no way to
be sure. However, I have included the next two parts for general interest.</i>]</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">...In the fight of the 24<sup>th</sup> we captured a
sharpshooter who had a small looking-glass attached to the butt of his musket,
so that he could sit behind his breast-work, perfectly protected, with his back
to us, and by looking into his glass, sight along the barrel of his piece…</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">…Next day, the 18<sup>th</sup>, while we were forming to
march from our bivouacs to the right a rumor prevailed that General Johnston
had been removed from command, and after we had marched some distance on the
road to Atlanta a courier handed me a circular order from General Hood
announcing General Johnston’s remove and assuming command. Shortly after the
farewell address of General Johnston was received and read to the regiment. It
is due to truth to say that the reception of these orders produced the most
despondent feelings in my command. The loss of the commanding general was felt
to be irreparable. Continuing the march and passing by his headquarters
Walker’s division passed at the shoulder, the officers saluting, and most of
the latter and hundreds of the men taking off their hats. It has been proposed
to halt and cheer, but General Johnston hearing our intention requested that
the troops march by in silence...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNw_SxVqaBb4KDzIXh0snmtcAVg4VBQfQzn_-kxdWbuglis5Imf9gAUpCeIAJxPhpVRhykVqkV7i9Hyd90X79qYrq_UhQT2Ag8ylehHhItabCP8XXcCJXUwV0cochZS9bRL6LxKku9gg0/s1024/service-pnp-ppmsca-59300-59389v.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="1024" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNw_SxVqaBb4KDzIXh0snmtcAVg4VBQfQzn_-kxdWbuglis5Imf9gAUpCeIAJxPhpVRhykVqkV7i9Hyd90X79qYrq_UhQT2Ag8ylehHhItabCP8XXcCJXUwV0cochZS9bRL6LxKku9gg0/w640-h436/service-pnp-ppmsca-59300-59389v.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"> </p>joe5mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13381588340232280771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827376222112396668.post-9387022906052395842020-03-01T19:16:00.004+00:002020-03-01T19:17:01.460+00:00Col. McCullough and the 16th S.C. ordered WestA brief note int the official records, states that Col. James McCullough and his regiment were transferred to the western theater in mid-1863.<br />
-----------------<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Charleston, May 15, 1863<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
…Note. – Since this return came in, Evan’s brigade, 16<sup>th</sup>
South Carolina Volunteers, 47<sup>th</sup> Georgia, and Walker’s brigade
ordered West.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />joe5mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13381588340232280771noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827376222112396668.post-26468264052901903202020-02-29T15:13:00.001+00:002020-02-29T15:20:06.236+00:00Col. McCullough and the 16th to Wilmington, N.C.Following on from my last past, after the incident with the gunships,
Col. James McCullough and the 16<sup>th</sup> S.C. continued to cool their
heels in Adams Run until December, when this record announces their imminent
movement.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
-------<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Charleston, S.C., December 13, 1862</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Brig. Gen. Johnson Hagood,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Commanding, Adams
Run, S.C.:<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The seven companies of McCullough’s 16th South
Carolina Volunteers at Adams Run and the seven of Nelson’s battalion at the
same place hold in readiness for transportation, with four days’ cooked
provisions, with 40 rounds of ammunition in cartridge box and 60 in reserve, in
light marching order, with cooking utensils, and two tents per company and two
ford field and staff of each battalion. Repeat message.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>G. T.
Beauregard<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">General,
Commanding.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">-------<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
A later record reveals that the regiments left Charleston
by train on December 15, 1862 and arrived in Wilmington, N.C. on December 17,
1862. </div>
joe5mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13381588340232280771noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827376222112396668.post-18966220480160912632020-02-24T15:46:00.003+00:002020-02-24T15:54:32.704+00:00Engagement at Simmon's Bluff<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoX-WDfii6UYIJcDHY-HoxP0rwWh_WdspymYY9VpVGO85_PKr5_Ou9UXGv-E3ul0J3sw9x4NFwLi_9uC4QRvRDTdKWOTXtKQQ80CSUBwqvWXz4x-WqQWHdnr8iksrZT0G-fcs0lUlQ2zb6/s1600/USS_Crusader_%25281858%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="740" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoX-WDfii6UYIJcDHY-HoxP0rwWh_WdspymYY9VpVGO85_PKr5_Ou9UXGv-E3ul0J3sw9x4NFwLi_9uC4QRvRDTdKWOTXtKQQ80CSUBwqvWXz4x-WqQWHdnr8iksrZT0G-fcs0lUlQ2zb6/s320/USS_Crusader_%25281858%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a>My great-great-great grandfather, Col. James McCullough
commanded the 16<sup>th</sup> S.C. Volunteer regiment during the Civil War.
While he wouldn’t see major action until 1864 and the battles around Atlanta,
he was involved in at least one minor incident, known as the Engagement at (or
Battle of) Simmon’s Bluff. Here is the official Confederate record of the
incident.<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
__________<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>June 21 1862. – Engagement at Simmon’s Bluff, S.C.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Report of Capt. L. Parker, C. S. Army, Marion (S.C.)
Artillery.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
HDQRS. Second Military Dist. South Carolina,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Adams Run, June 23, 1862.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Maj. J. R. Waddy,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Assistant Adjutant-General, Charleston, S.C.:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Major: Herewith I have the honor to inclose the official
report of Captain Parker, Marion Artillery, of the affair with the gunboats at
Simmons’ Bluff on the 21<sup>st</sup> instant. Owing to the absence of the
regiment of Colonel McCullough the rifle pits were not complete when the attack
commenced. I am having them arranged and have strengthened the position with
two additional companies. I would here state that I will forward the report of
the engagement on James Island on the 16<sup>th</sup> instant as soon as I can
collect the reports of the immediate commanders.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Very
respectfully, your obedient servant,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>N.
G. Evans,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>Brigadier-General.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>Simmon’s Bluff, S.C., June 21, 1862</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Captain: I have the honor to report that at about 11 a.m.
this day the alarm was given of two gunboats approaching. I was at Colonel
Whaling’s place, on a visit to pickets there stationed, and caused the alarm to
be given also from that point. My guns were in the road and wagons parked
before I could get to camp, nothing having been lost. The boats approached
rapidly – one large three-masted propeller and a side-wheel, probably the
Planter.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
ordered the companies of Captains McJunkin and Barnett into the incomplete pits
in the process of construction for rifleman, directing them if driven form the
pits to fall back and skirmish (if they landed) along the road and in the corn
back of Simmons’ negro settlement. The battery I ordered to the bluff, where I
am erecting batteries for my guns about 800 yards above the point. The road
through the corn was so miry from the recent rains that my guns could not use
them, and I had to take a circuit and approach it from the north. When we
cleared the road we found the large vessels just below the point, the Planter
on the south side of said point. To reach the bluff I would have had my battery
exposed to fire from both ships for 400 or 500 yards, and then would only be
able to reach the large vessel at the range before named, say 800 yards. I
deemed it wiser, as I could inflict no injury, to run no risk.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYrUNzgPwFwEezTqe0bDWr4fDuhlupCDqnlcBrIgiff0AT1G-_5ufVwu_oB9wlCydhGJoigOFiOu0jFOnHYd1EOS7GTWli-cx2ZmOxS3v0qZq6bSKYcATAS4doUc72BG-0nBRh666Mb36/s1600/11712v.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1024" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYrUNzgPwFwEezTqe0bDWr4fDuhlupCDqnlcBrIgiff0AT1G-_5ufVwu_oB9wlCydhGJoigOFiOu0jFOnHYd1EOS7GTWli-cx2ZmOxS3v0qZq6bSKYcATAS4doUc72BG-0nBRh666Mb36/s640/11712v.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of these ships is the Planter.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The fire
of shot, shell, case shot, and canister was very heavy from both ships. I kept
my men and guns under cover, anticipating a landing. The riflemen kept up a
continuous and steady fire until their position was enfiladed, when they
retreated to the road, straggling far ahead of their officers up it. I halted
them and deployed them to the left of the road, directing a gradual advance,
under cover of woods, hedges, and corn, to the negro settlement. The men were
very much fatigued and I could not get the movement properly executed. A few
men were landed from the Planter, I think, who got as far as the infantry tents
and burned them. My pieces I had withdrawn to the causeway, as both boats,
shelling vigorously, moved up as though to land above our position.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>One of
the scouts reported to Major O’Neill that the enemy had landed and were
marching up. My guns were then thrown forward, and I detailed scouts from my
own men, who proceeded to a point between the two camps, under charge of
Lieutenant Lowndes. Two of my pieces were to take positon near the bluff on
left of road, two in our drill ground on the right; Colonel McCullough who had
arrived, to advance under cover of the hedges to the point where my scouts were
with four companies; Major O’Neill, with the other companies, to advance
through the corn – and thus I hoped, had they landed, to attack them in front
and flank. They, however, had not landed any force, and I can only conjecture
that they landed at all. Had the original intention been carried out, and the
riflemen on leaving the pits occupied the road and the corn, I think we might
have been able to bring our guns into play; as it was, I thought my best plan
was to keep prepared for what I expected – a landing. Before we could reach the
boats, however, immediately after burning the tents they turned and went
rapidly off. The buildings at the point were much injured by shell, grape,
cansister, &c., and some very narrow escapes were run.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
conduct of the men while in the pits was very good, and they all say that cries
were heard after several shots. The men kept very close on deck. Had rifle pits
been dug all along the banks I believe that the enemy would have suffered very
much; as it was, it was very difficult to rally the men after leaving the pits.
Very little time was given for a proper disposition of the troops. I do not
think that over twenty minutes elapsed between the alarm and the first shot.
Some system of signals is necessary by which we may be notified of the entrance
of a vessel into the river while out of our sight. The lookout on the mast of
the steamer enables her to direct her fire at objects not seen from her hull.
Captains McJunkin’s and Barnett’s companies have both some baggage. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I have
no casualties to report. One shot passed through my commissary room, but our
stores were out of it. Lieut. [James] Salvo, of the Washington Artillery, came
over, offering Capt. [George H.] Walter’s battery, and was of much service to
me. I declined sending for the battery, as under the circumstances I did not
think it could be advantageously used. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Respectfully,
your obedient servant,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>Edward
L. Parker<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>Captain
Marion Artillery, Commanding Post.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Capt. A. L. Evans, C. S. Army<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Assistant
Adjutant-General, &c., Adams Run.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
________<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
An official Union account also exists, which agrees with
most of the particulars – though it notes that no casualties were taken, and
that resistance was light. It is through that account that the ‘three-masted
propeller’ is identified as the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">U.S.S.
Crusader</i>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The Union had been hoping to cut the rail line into
Charleston, but abandoned the attempt after burning the confederate encampment
for reason</div>
joe5mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13381588340232280771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827376222112396668.post-68439413726466730272019-12-31T09:08:00.004+00:002019-12-31T18:36:37.796+00:00The Death of J. S. Walker<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
One of my greatest discoveries during my research into my
ancestor, John Stewart Walker, was a first-hand account of his death, written by
J. Staunton Moore, one of the men of his command. Although this account was
written forty-five years later, and likely coloured by those intervening years,
the few particulars do match up with all of the other facts I’ve learned.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The account is part of a larger piece about the battle of
Malvern Hill, which was published in the Southern Historical Society Papers,
Volume XXXV. (Reprinted by Broadfoot Publishing Company, Morningside Bookshop,
1991). At the point where this excerpt picks up, the 15<sup>th</sup> Virginia,
along with the rest of its Brigade, has been called out of reserve and sent
forward to take a Union position on top of a hill. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
‘…About one hundred and fifty of our regiment reached the
base of the hill, in command of Major John Stewart Walker, formerly captain of
the Virginia Life Guard, of Richmond (Company B), who assumed command as soon
as Colonel August was placed hors de combat. Here we rested, under severe and
continuous fire that did not admit of our raising our heads from the ground. As
twilight was deepening into the shades of night, the word was passed down the
line to prepare to charge the crest of the hill. Major Walker stood up with
drawn sword and flashing eye and gave the command, “Forward, charge!” It was
the last word this gallant officer ever uttered. He fell, and was dragged into
a little branch which flowed at the foot of the hill and expired in the arms of
his brother, Captain Norman Walker. Thus perished as brave a soldier as ever
flashed his sword in any cause!’</div>
joe5mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13381588340232280771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827376222112396668.post-54943675658394111742019-12-30T15:10:00.000+00:002019-12-30T15:10:47.202+00:00A Description of J. S. Walker<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The following description of John Stewart Walker was written
by Josiah Staunton Moore, one of the men under his command, on May 22, 1861. I
obtained a typed record of this short diary from the Virginia Historical
Society.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“…Capt Jno. Stewart Walker, (These are my first impressions)
is a perfect gentleman, a considerate Christian, I think he is a man of high
temper (who ever saw a red-headed man who was not?) but its violence when arose
is soon over, he is a man who requires, and expects everyone to do his duty, on
duty <u>he</u> is <u>the officer</u>. When [off] duty he is <u>the gentleman</u>,
kind and sociable. I believe him to be a man of undaunted bravery, he is well
versed in military tactics, having in his young days attended a military school.
He is now, judging from his appearance, about 36 years old, of a noble &
commanding form.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />joe5mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13381588340232280771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827376222112396668.post-41776160906159735002019-12-12T12:24:00.002+00:002019-12-12T12:24:33.453+00:00J. S. Walker Letter (22 June 1862)<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Camp 15<sup>th</sup> Regt., <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
6 mi. below Ricmond,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
22d June, 1862.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
My very dear Wife:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A few
days more and it will be three months since McClellan began his triumphal march
to Richmond. During that time I have been beset behind and before, subjected to
great trials and inconveniences, not to say suffering. I have had great
responsibility upon me, with no one to hold my hands. My time day and night has
for the most part been absorbed in my duty to my country, and as I have to do
with all my might whatever my hands find to do, I fear, yea I know, I have
omitted the weightier matters of the law. I have not kept the Lord as my
strength and counsellor before my eyes and in my heart. In fact, I have laid
all on the altar of my country, even sacrificing the natural affection to my
family, not taking time to write you. I have trusted too much in my own efforts
and have had too much confidence placed in me by those in authority. While my
whole soul has been thrown into my country’s cause as one of her defenders, my
spiritual soul has grown less and as a soldier of the cross I have been
unprofitable, and yet how good the Lord has been unto me thru it all. Not only
has He given me health of body and mind and a will for any work, but above all
He has in mercy shown me by His Spirit’s influence how I am neglecting to grow
in grace, to have at all times the witness of His approval, to find Him a
present help in every hour of trouble, and a refuge in every necessity, so that
however surrounded, I may find Him a comforter. I have drawn myself away today,
this His Sabbath, from the routine of camp duty to examine my own heart, to
confess before Him my wandering from Him and to drink from the ever flowing
fountain of Gospel grace, hope, comfort and consolation, for in myself there is
nothing good but all unclean, but a free grace and full pardon is promised to
all who truly repent. I find that it will be necessary for me to have system
and regularity in my devotions at the expense of everything else, or Satan will
come in and possess my soul. I fear that with natural impulsiveness and energy,
with too much the spirit of Martha I have allowed myself to be unnecessarily
taxed, yea, and unprofitably it may be, for my country, to the prejudice and
injury of my eternal good. I see it, I think. I am sorry for it. I thank God I
see it, and by His help I will improve my past experience, and depending less
upon myself and more upon my Father, will seek for the future to lead a more
holy life. Thus fortified, I will be superior to all temptations and find my
heart continually refreshed by the Heavenly dew of peace and joy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Events
seem to be tending to a culmination point. It is indeed the hour of our
extremity, and tho I have so often proven in the past that I am no prophet, yet
I am impressed that the present week is pregnant with great stirring events,
which may prove the closing scenes of the war. I think not only the people but
the armies of both the North and the South would welcome the hour of peace, and
a decisive battle before Richmond may prove the dawn of that hour.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
great, tho good, Jackson – the man of faith and prayer – whom the Lord
delighted to honour, will in a few days be down to our help with his army. He
will not only remain inactive, but will strike for his country, and that with
success. The idols of the world, such as Floyd, Johnson and Beaureguard, have
been by God’s providence withdrawn from the active field, while Gen. Jackson
and Bethel Hill are our leaders. Floyd disgraced, Johnson wounded and
Beaureguard’s health requiring that he be relieved of his command. There are
other bright examples of Christians in our high officers, while there are many
more who neither love nor fear the Lord. May they be brought by the example of
the illustrious two above to see that the Lord is God and that with Him are not
only the issues of life and death, but victory purchases on the banner that he
smiles upon.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I think
it well that you did not come down at my instance, if my speculations prove
correct. I hope Richmond will in a few days be relieved of the host that now
besiege it and our large army, which now taxes the whole supply of food to be
had here, be removed to another scene of action. Then Richmond may return to
her accustomed quiet. In the meantime, everything is scarce and high, and I am
sure that with muddy, hot water, no fruit or vegetables, the children would
suffer very much with summer complaints. It is fortunate and providential, I
think, that you went to Lynchburg when you did.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Our
house is being well employed in furnishing an asylum to the good who are
refugees from their homes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
understand our sick and wounded are not only be well attended to but are
rapidly recovering. There are still a great many stragglers and old soldiers
about Richmond, much to the depletion and demoralization of our army. GenL. Lee
is, however, at work upon them and will, I hope, soon have them with their
regiments.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I am
getting to be quite anxious to see you all, and hope that a favourable
opportunity may soon be given me, and yet we will be better able to appreciate
the blessings of peace and liberty if they cost us present trials and
afflictions.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Kiss the
dear children and let them unite their innocent little hearts with their
mother’s in prayer for us and our cause, and leaving all in the hands of a good
and merciful Heavenly Father, let come what may, be able to say “He doeth all
things well”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Remember
me kindly to your Mother and all friends and relatives. I hope you are all
husbanding your supplies and living economically so as to make them go as far
as possible, for it may be there will be an exhaustion of everything before an
opportunity comes to replenish.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lucy
Norvell no doubt keeps you posted as to everything going on in Richmond, both
at home and among our friends. I am<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Your
very affectionate husband,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>Jno.
S. Walker<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
[This is the last letter I have written by John Stewart
Walker. Eight days after writing this, he was killed during the Battle of
Malvern Hill.]</div>
joe5mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13381588340232280771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827376222112396668.post-56465570128375137182019-12-11T14:43:00.001+00:002019-12-11T14:43:51.227+00:00J. S. Walker Letter (17th June 1862)<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Dr. Burney’s,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
17<sup>th</sup> June, 1862<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
My dear Wife:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I came
up today to take a bath and put on some clean clothes. I received your letters
of the 12<sup>th</sup> and 13<sup>th</sup>, declining for the present to come
down. No doubt it is all for the best, tho I would like very much to see you. I
think it is fortunate you have the children in Lynchburg, as fruit, vegetables,
and chickens are at outrageous high prices here. Chickens $1, eggs $1 a dozen,
butter $1.25 a pound, milk 25<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">¢</span>
a quart.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>If you
had to keep the children on cheap living, they would all get sick. Just as I
was leaving our house, Dr. and Mrs. Fairfax drove up. The city is crowded and I
insisted upon them taking our house, and left them in charge of the servants. I
am glad of an opportunity of giving shelter to such refugees. I will get Mary
Burney to go and see they are made comfortable. Their delaying me necessitates
my writing you a very short letter, as I must get back to camp this evening. We
still have the enemy before us and know not when they will get to Richmond. My
health was never better than at present, and the Lord alone is my keeper. I am
suffering for quiet, and have but little opportunity for reading my Bible or
praying in private, and want Christian communion.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Kiss the
dear children and give love to all friends. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Yours
most affectionately,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>Jno.
S. Walker.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />joe5mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13381588340232280771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827376222112396668.post-82631980006955216802019-12-10T11:02:00.001+00:002019-12-10T11:02:21.472+00:00J. S. Walker Letter (4 June 1862)<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Richmond – Dr. Burney’s<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
4<sup>th</sup> June, 1862<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
My dear Wife:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I have not written for several days, only because my
duties have prevented, and I can now only recount the continued goodness of the
Lord in giving me health in the midst of great exposure and fatigue and
protection in the midst of great danger. We were not in the fight of Saturday
or Sunday, when so many of our noble men fell, or were wounded. A kind of
Providence directed it, otherwise it may be, to keep us from an untimely death,
it may be to give us more time to prepare for it. Whichever it may be, life or
death, may I ever feel it in my heart to say “the will of the Lord be done”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Gradually
the Lord is removing all earthly props, and one that the worldings in the army
feels the worst is the removal from the scene of action by a wound of General
Johnson. It was to him the Army looked for deliverance from their enemy. Oh,
that they would look to the Lord and trust in him, then would he give us the
victory. Every day brings the large armies closer together, and a very few more
days must determine the fate of Richmond and seal for eternity the destiny of
thousands. We await in breathless anxiety the issue and pray God to have mercy
upon us and deliver us from our enemies who are stronger than we.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The city
is now filled with the wounded from the recent battle, which may be any day
increased tenfold, and yet the Lord may yet make a way of escape from so much
pain and bloodshed. The presence of so much suffering naturally casts a gloom
over the city. I think till the great battle is over, you had better remain in
Lynchburg. Should I be wounded, your presence can be had by telegraph. If
wounded and fall into the enemies hands, under a flag of truce you could get to
me. If slightly wounded so as not to allow me to attend to my duties and yet
allow me to travel, I would much prefer to be away from the excitement of this
place with you in Lynchburg. If killed, you can only be gratified in your grief
by the sight of my body, which last sad office you can perform from Lynchburg
in a day. These are my views, and I hope you will approve. I am very tired of
this life of war, and pray for honorable peace, but otherwise let my sons bear
my shield after death and devote their lives to their country as I now do, for
I will never yield to the tyrants.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I came
up this morning after the hard rains of yesterday night and today, to get some
clean clothes and dry out my others, and return to my regiment this afternoon.
I have my washing now down at home and have daily communication with home. I
shall make David Butler go to market for me every day and bring it down to our
camp.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I heard
Dexter was in town yesterday. I have not been down town myself, and consequently
have not seen him. Norman is in excellent health. For the incidents of the day,
I refer you to the papers and to Mary and Georgie. Kiss the dear children, who
father wants to see very much, but higher duties prevent. Love to your Mother
and all the family.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Again I
say trust in the Lord, let your faith be strong, and He will give you grace for
every hour of trial. May time restore us in peace to the enjoyment of our
family ties. But if he should order it otherwise, then Glory be to His name.
May we have comforting assurance of an eternal reunion beyond the grave, where
the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Every
ours affectionately,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>Jno.
S. Walker,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
My address<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Care of Dr. Burnley will be the earliest received.</div>
joe5mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13381588340232280771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827376222112396668.post-73840143130971501532019-12-09T13:23:00.001+00:002019-12-09T13:23:41.237+00:00J. S. Walker Letter (29 May 1862)<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Camp 15<sup>th</sup> Va. Regt.,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Simms Brigade,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
29<sup>th</sup> May, 1862<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
My dear Wife:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I have
more frequent opportunities of sending you a letter than I have of writing. We
are kept constantly day and night on outpost duty, and when I lay down at night
with clothes, spurs, etc., on we are liable to be called at any and every hour
and are constantly aroused. We sleep in a field or woods road or swamp, just as
we happen to be and have a chance. In spite of all this, the Lord gives me
health and tho the privations keep me feverish and nervous to a degree that
prevents quiet reflection and but little opportunity of reading and reflecting
on the Bible, and no stated time for prayer, yet, thank God, I can trust in Him
and have peace in believing. I cannot hope to be able to physically endure what
I have had to go through with for the past two months, much longer, tho
‘sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof’.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I am now
well, and trust the Lord may continue it to me. It cannot be many more days
before the decisive battle comes off, and tho it will be a day of blood, since
the cup may not pass from us, may the Lord be our support to shield and give us
grace to drink it. The sooner now it comes off, the sooner we will be relieved
of the handicaps of this campaign, but I am willing to leave it to the Lord and
our Generals, asking Him to direct them. We have all confidence in our General
and to moral eye everything works well four our victory.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I am
glad to see by your last that the children are improving, and hope the Lord
will keep you all well. I hope Avis and family are safely in Mrs. Byrd’s home.
We now get a plenty to eat through Mary Burney and sending the servants to
Richmond for eating. Sorry to see Gaston was wounded but happy to know it is
very slight. The loss of his gun I attribute to a panic in the infantry and
stampede on their part, instead of their covering his reatreat. Tho the papers
do not say so, privately I do not think much of his Brig. General.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>If you
do not hear from me, attribute it to my being too much occupied. If I am sick
so as not to be able to attend to duty, I will go to Richmond, where I can get
proper attention and care, so make yourself easy on that subject. Kiss the dear
children for father, and continue to pray the Lord to turn his anger from us
and give peace to our distracted country and return us unto our families. I
never set my heart on this world’s good if I know myself, but with my present
experiences I would not give peace under my own vine and fig tree, with a crust
of bread and my family around me, for all this world possesses. A log cabin,
ash cake, and buttermilk, in peace with my dear ones, is all of this world I
covet. Love to you and all friends, and pray for a great victory, and may the
Lord have all the glory.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Affectionately
yours,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>Jno.
S. Walker.</div>
joe5mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13381588340232280771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827376222112396668.post-19167767046053869682019-12-08T11:01:00.001+00:002019-12-08T11:01:40.961+00:00J. S. Walker Letter (20 May 1862)<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Camp 6 miles from Richmond,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
20<sup>th</sup> May 1862.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
My dear Wife:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I have
only time to drop you a line to say I am very well. I was glad to hear you had
left for Lynchburg. I am writing in a field and have nothing to communicate of
interest. Kiss the dear children. Give love to all friends. Have not seen Kirk,
as he is in another division of the Army in another locality. I hope to be in
Richmond soon for a few hours at any rate. As soon as the great battle is over,
I hope I may have an opportunity of seeing you all. The Lord keep you and our
little ones.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Yours affectionately,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>Jno
S. Walker</div>
joe5mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13381588340232280771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827376222112396668.post-65991463989626664702019-12-07T15:02:00.001+00:002019-12-07T15:02:36.403+00:00J. S. Walker Letter (14 May 1862)<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
May 14<sup>th</sup>, 1862<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
My dear Wife:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
understand there is painful anxiety in Richmond that the gun boats will shell
the city. Capt. Atkinson has just come down and reports the state of feeling.
In your unprotected condition, it probably would be better for you to go to
Lynchburg at once to be out of its influence. I would myself feel better
content if the gun boats did come up to have you all away. Take all your
groceries except such as you leave with the servants. Consult David whether to
take all the servants or not. Take as many as you can which you need, at any
rate. I am in a field, it is pouring down raining, can write no more. Norman
and self are well. Col. August goes up sick.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Write me
what you determine direct to 15<sup>th</sup> Va. Regt. I think a few days will
settle the condition at Richmond, tho everything looks glowing at present. I
have every confidence that the Lord will direct and his glory acknowledged.
Kiss the dear children for me, and the Lord have you in his keeping and grant
that we meet again soon in person.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Your
husband,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>Jno.
S. Walker<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />joe5mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13381588340232280771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827376222112396668.post-60257186745127587762019-12-06T13:09:00.000+00:002019-12-06T13:09:01.376+00:00J. S. Walker Letter (13 May 1862)<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
New Kent, 18 miles from Richmond,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
13<sup>th</sup> May, 1862<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
My dear Wife:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I am
just in receipt of yours of 12<sup>th</sup> by Morris. Am sorry to hear from
him that Bro. David has been sick. I am glad you have concluded to take a
little trip with the children on your own account and that of the health of the
children. I still believe the enemy will not get to Richmond, and if so, not
for some time. I think our chastisement is nearly completed and that the Lord
will soon unveil his mercy and give us peace. I think 60 days will give us
peace, tho everyone else expects a long war and subjugation. As regards your
going to Lynchburg, I still say do what is most agreeable to yourself, and it
will be well. I think ten days or a fortnight more will determine the issue at
this point and we are determined to conquer or die. My trust in God strengthens
as my earthly props fail, and I have a sweet peace in the very teeth of war.
The providences of the Lord as an index show me very plainly that He will save
us if we will allow Him, but being a jealous God must have all the honor and
glory, and demanding it, if not fully given, will exact it from us even through
great trials and sufferings.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Norman
is complaining a little this morning, nothing serious. My own health (is?) most
excellent in spite of all the drawbacks of sleeping out and short rations,
though we are now getting enough to eat.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I have
every confidence of a glorious victory if the enemy attack us here and have as
a Brig. Gen’l. a very devout Christian, who is very confident of victory.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
received Bro Wheelwright’s letter. Hope he will receive some position where he
can be useful to his Master and country.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Kiss the
dear children and remember me kindly to all friends. Pray earnestly and
confidently and victory is ours.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>Yours
ever affectionately,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>Jno.
S. Walker<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
It may be that your leaving Richmond may have a bad effect
upon us, thinking you are running from the Yankees. If so, and you think it
your duty to remain, remain. Let the Lord guide you, and act as you think best.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />joe5mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13381588340232280771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827376222112396668.post-70136358252188269882019-12-05T17:26:00.002+00:002019-12-05T17:26:59.028+00:00J. S. Walker Letter (11 May 1862) II<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Camp 15<sup>th</sup> Va. Regt., near Chickahominy,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
11th May, 1862<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
My dear Wife:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Since
writing you this morning, another opportunity occurs, so I will avail myself of
it. It occurs to me that as you have not seen your Mother for some time it
would be pleasant for you and gratifying to her to visit her for a short time.
I wish you would take the children and do so at once, as it will do you all
good. I hear through Georgie of little Mary’s illness. The Lord preserve her to
us. Into His hands I submit her. I think a trip at this time is the more
desirable owning to the (illegible) of idle rumors afloat in Richmond, and I
would prefer you being with your Mother in the event of a battle here, which
will come off certainly this week, I think. If the result should be against us,
I would feel better satisfied if you were near those who would sympathize with
you, and be out of the excitement consequent upon the panic which would be in
Richmond. You could in a moment return to Richmond if desirable. Do as you
please, and it will have my approval. This other letter you may not get till
after this. Norman is very well, so am I, and our troops are in the best of
spirits.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Kiss the
dear children and tell my pet, Mary, Papa was sorry to hear she was sick. The
Lord have us in his keeping.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>Yours
ever affectionately,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>Jno.
S. Walker <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />joe5mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13381588340232280771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827376222112396668.post-28891513486879578442019-12-04T15:08:00.001+00:002019-12-04T15:08:52.912+00:00J. S. Walker Letter (11 May 1862)<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Camp near Chickohominy, 11<sup>th</sup> May, 1862.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
My very dear Wife:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I am
just in receipt of yours by Bates dated 3d of May. I have sent you several
messages lately by persons going up. I have had no opportunity of writing and
nothing to write about, except my trials, troubles, etc. which are not worthy
to be named when compared with the cause for which we suffer. I am in excellent
health and spirits, confident of victory, tho it may cost us many brave men. I
think it will not be many days before the battle must come off, nor very many
before peace will come, say within two months. I hope the humbling of the
people will be the Lord’s time to deliver them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
received the box with the drawers and things, which were very acceptable. We
are having a hard time to get anything to eat at all, and if you have anything
you have to divide it or have it stolen. This is Sunday, very little like it
indeed to us, but we can in secret look to God and earnestly ask Him to defend
and protect us against our enemies. I have lived so long in my clothes without
a change, and sleeping in all sorts of places, that vermin has taken possession
of me, but I will submit cheerfully to any and every thing four our Cause. I
enclose a letter to Oscar W___. Give it to him and ask him to attend to it for
me. I am in a great hurry this morning as we may be ordered to march at any
moment. Kiss the dear children for father, and sustain me by your prayers.
Everything is very high. Will you now practice the most rigid economy and
suffer, if need by, for the Cause? Consult with Dr. Barney about the propriety
of selling out and going to your Mother’s. I wish it if it is deemed by him
advisable. I am so uncertain now in my movements, that I cannot tell where a
letter will find me, so you and the Doctor must determine. If you sell out,
remember the servants are to be provided for by being hired out, and take what
groceries you have to Lynchburg with you. Love to all,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Yours
affectionately<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>in
haste,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>Jno.
S. Walker<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Read the letter to Weisinger. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
See that Sam’l D. Paul<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Gest the enclosed. They can <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Tell you at Mrs. Pegram’s,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Or Georgie may know.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />joe5mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13381588340232280771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827376222112396668.post-90004457550439558332019-12-03T13:05:00.002+00:002019-12-03T13:05:34.729+00:00J. S. Walker Letter (9 May 1862)<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Camp Deas, Sunday, 9<sup>th</sup> May, 1862<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
My very dear Wife:</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I have
merely time to scribble you a line to say I am well, very well indeed, thank
the Lord. Allen Lyon has not yet reached camp with the good things for us, hope
to see him tomorrow. Lieut. Bates takes this up. He will be down in ten days.
If I can then get off, I will come and see you for a few days, tho there may be
duty to keep me here. I do not now anticipate but let each day take care of
itself. We have distressing rumors from Tennessee, also North Carolina, about
defeats. God grant that they may not prove true, but if they should, may they
stimulate us to redouble our energies and trust more in our God. The
chastisement will then be good for us. I have such unbounded confidence in
God’s help if we will own Him and respect his precepts, that I fear not evil
and believe that He will yet bring us off conquerors, that it may be through
great and sour trials, and not only conquerors, but better as a nation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Bates is
about to start. I must close. Commending you and all that are dear to me on
earth to the keeping of my Heavenly Father, with a kiss for the children and
love to all friends,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Ever
yours affectionately,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>Jno.
S. Walker.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />joe5mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13381588340232280771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827376222112396668.post-69629709424516002162019-12-02T12:32:00.002+00:002019-12-02T12:32:26.442+00:00J.S. Walker Letter (27 April 1862) II<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
27<sup>th</sup> April. I am in receipt of yours enclosing
Johnnie’s letter. I am glad to see he recognizes God’s protection and pray he
may have the light of the Spirit to show him that it is the prayer of sinners
that the Lord hears and that for them the Saviour died.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As
regards the panic in Richmond, I cannot see that there is anything to be gained
by fleeing before the enemy or that one place is any more secure from their
invasion than another, and it is best to remain where Providence has paced us
and our duty keeps us, rather than run before them. When the military
authorities give up the protection of Richmond will be time enough to look out
for a place of refuge. Trust in the Lord, be mighty in prayer and faith. While
I feel that this is probably our darkest hour in every respect, I have a
confidence and peace which alone can be given by my Father. All earthly props
fail, and the disorganised state of the army from necessity leaves us the Lord
alone to look to. Our extremity is great, the Lord will, I pray, improve the
opportunity.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I have
been re-elected Capt. Unanimously by my Company. As soon as things look more
favourable and the panic-stricken citizens return to their homes, I will make
arrangements to sell out furniture and rent out house and let you go to
Lynchburg. May the Lord bless and sustain you a bright shining light in this
hour of trial of Faith, that others seeing your good works may be constrained
to glorify Our Father in Heaven. Again kiss the dear children, train them for
Heaven,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Most
affectionately yours,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>Jno.
S. Walker<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />joe5mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13381588340232280771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827376222112396668.post-62104175469233618612019-11-29T14:58:00.000+00:002019-11-29T14:58:16.550+00:00J. S. Walker Letter (27 April 1862)<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Leas Mill, Sunday,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
April 27<sup>th</sup>, 1862<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
My dear Wife:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Another
Sabbath has rolled around and yet by the mercy of the Lord we are spared the
sight of blood and carnage. Oh, that with His almighty Hand He would roll back
the cloud that now impends and let the Heavenly light of peace shine upon our
distracted country, that the sword might be beaten into the pruning hook and
the nations of the earth no more have war, but not my will, Thine be done, O
Lord.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
enclose this in one to Norman. The contents of his he will probably tell you.
It was very gratifying and complimentary to me that my company, entirely
unsolicited, elected him 1<sup>st</sup> Lieut. of the Company.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In your
last you ask me if a shell struck my tent. About a fortnight ago one passed
under one corner of my tent and struck a tree right by the tent. I with my
Company was out in the trenches. Nobody was hurt, but Charles took the double
quick to the rear, but returned as soon as the firing was all over.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Things
look stormy to us poor mortals. The enemy are drawing in all around us, but the
Lord will deliver us in His own good time. Our dependence on self will soon be
gone. Then the Almighty Arm will intervene for our deliverance. Man will be
humbled that the Lord may be exalted. Amen, so be it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I have
nothing of interest to communicate. I wrote Norman if he came down to bring me
a pair of flannel drawers and that you could get them for him. Kiss the dear
children.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Yours
ever affectionately,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>Jno.
S. Walker.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />joe5mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13381588340232280771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827376222112396668.post-91395269022991745792019-11-28T14:43:00.001+00:002019-11-28T14:43:41.472+00:00J. S. Walker Letter (23 April 1862)<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Camp near Lees Mill,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
23d April, 1862.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
My dear Wife:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I am
just in receipt of yours of the 20<sup>th</sup> inst. I wrote you the same day
and have written you whenever I have had time and opportunity. Your letters are
a very great comfort to me and your faith increases mine. This is indeed man’s
extremity and I do earnestly hope and pray it may prove God’s opportunity to
save us from an over-powering enemy and so manifest his Almighty power that all
will have to give Him the glory. We are still standing on the defensive and are
beginning to be uneasy lest the enemy escape us and turn their large force
against some weaker point. I was out yesterday with my Company on a
reconnaissance, together with four other companies of our Regiment and five
companies of the 21<sup>st</sup> Mississippi. We killed some six or eight of
the enemy and took one prisoner, while we had two slightly wounded Miss., and
one of my men missing, supposed to be either killed or surrounded and taken
prisoner. He was a fine young man, named Daily, brave and daring and ventured
no doubt too far into the enemies’ lines. He no doubt mistook my orders or disobeyed
them and paid the forfeit of his liberty, it may be his life. I still hope he
will turn up. If taken prisoner and they give him half a chance he will escape.
We are bivouacing and living on very simple fare, sleeping on our arms and in
our clothes, ready for a moment’s call, either to repel the enemy or advance
upon him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I fear
our people are not awake to the issues that hang on the result of the battle
that is before us. It may be well if they are not, for panic would be where
prayer now should. Our fate as a nation may depend upon it, our cause meet its
death if our arm is not sustained by the Almighty. I have determined to see in
its result the will of Heaven and to be content to suffer defeat if need be,
but never to submit to Northern dominion. Should the great battle which impends
come off it will tax the Christian sympathy of the good people of Richmond to
attend to and provide for our wounded, and since I have given up all to the
cause, I would like if I am spared to furnish accommodation to some of them at
my house. I do not know or think that it is your duty in your unprotected
condition, without knowing what the result may be so far as I am concerned, to
take any or provide for any in advance. If you were to take any, I would prefer
designating who they should be, in order that you might have gentlemen who
would appreciate you condition and not presume upon your kindness. For that
purpose I have determined that if I feel it to be my duty to tax you with any
wounded I will give them my address upon a slip of paper to you and you can put
the third story aside for them and have George Moody, Washington Kirk or David
Butler, or the whole of them, to wait on them. They will be attended by Army
Surgeons, and I will make arrangements with the Commissary Department in
Richmond to furnish tea, coffee, sugar, etc, at prices very much lower than
store prices, so that the additional expense will not be worth weighing in the
balance against the good that will and may be done. Understand that this is only
to go into effect provided I advise it, and is not to interfere with any public
or other preparation in which you are engaged, but is to be a private affair.
If wounded myself, I speak in advance for accommodation at your house, and for
as many wounded comrades as I may think proper to bring. Of course, if you take
the third story for the wounded you will provide for Mrs. Hayes and her
children in the nursery and small room attached. Cotton mattresses, which would
be cheerfully furnished you by the Surgeon General, will be a luxury to our
soldiers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Our
country and cause hangs now in the balance. The prayer of faith, though not
recognized as an engine of war, can, may, nay will, turn it in our favour. Then
for an overflowing, concentrated faith of our whole Christian people which
shall rise in a mighty irresistible volume of sweet incense to the Father’s
throne, which will bring down the blessing. Did it ever occur to you that was
is not only a National chastisement, but it purifies and purges? Then everyone
exercises and influence for good or evil over those by whom they are
surrounded, which influence continues to act in increased power with each
succeeding generation. The men who compose the army as a general thing are very
wicked and beyond the influence of the gospel in its ordinary work. They are
bold, fearing neither God nor man. Their influence is for evil, and that
continually, and it may be the Lord, to save the young and innocent from the
effect of their pernicious influence and example, tho He takes no pleasure in
the death of a sinner, yet for the love he bears his creatures and to save the
greater number from death eternal allows them to be killed in war.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I think
the first of May will find us either victorious or the enemy after their great
demonstration declining to give us battle at this point. We are as an army
getting a little restless under the suspense and a regular battle, tho it is
generally anticipated it will be very sanguinary, would not be unwelcome.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
received a letter from Bro. David announcing Avis’ safe deliverance from her
troubles and rejoicing that a man child is born into the world. Give my love
and hearty congratulations to both, with many thanks to David for his kind
letter.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
enemy are drawing in around Richmond and no doubt many are badly frightened –
but they are not there yet and will have to pass over bloody fields and the
corpses of the South’s bravest before they get there.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Kiss the
dear children and give love to all friends.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Every
yours affectionately,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>Jno.
S. Walker.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />joe5mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13381588340232280771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827376222112396668.post-195965208357947592019-11-26T14:31:00.002+00:002019-11-26T14:31:23.534+00:00J. S. Walker Letter (20th April 1862)<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
21<sup>st</sup> – All quiet this morning.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Camp (illegiable) Lees Mill,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Sunday, 20<sup>th</sup> April, 1862<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
My very dear Wife:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
Sabbath day on which you are all enjoying the rest of a kind Heavenly Father
provides for all, and no doubt with strong faith lifting your hearts to God for
his protection to those in the field, we are kept continually reminded by the
war of cannon and musketry that the enemy are before us and watching to strike
when and where they think we are most vulnerable. You will all no doubt
conclude that today is our battle day and await in breathless anxiety to hear
the issues, but we are still merely skirmishing, with an occasional attack,
which we have so far repulsed. When the general engagement does come off, it
will be most probably the bloodiest battle of modern times. Our men feel what
great issues hang upon their determined resistance, while the enemy, in great
strength, well armed, equipped and drilled, are determined to go on to
Richmond, they say. I do hope that this battle may decide the contest in our
favour, and be succeeded by a blessed peace. The best of Christians can but
imperfectly appreciate the blessings by which the Lord surrounds them in a time
of peace and prosperity until they have tasted of the bitters of war in their
own experience. They know not how to bless the Lord for his goodness and mercy.
David could never have written his Pslam of Thanksgiving if he had not waded
through the deep waters of persecution and trial. I have great confidence that
the Lord is going to give us a glorious triumph over our enemies, that He will
make bare his arm in our behalf. We are using all the means at our command
energetically to repel the foe. The Lord, we know, will do His part well. We
have good Generals, determined men, and will conquer tho we die. It may be this
fight will not come off for several days, and when it does, it will likely be
of several days continuance. McClellan is resolved to put everything on the
issue of this battle. He is entrenching himself and has an overwhelming force
under his command. He is a Catholic, and this being the Easter season he may
respect the days of the Church, but will no doubt strike by the middle of the
week. Johnson is our head, supported by Hile (of Bethel), Magruder, Longstreet,
and other tried men. Now let our Christian people humble themselves in fasting
and prayer before the Lord, and He will give us the victory. I went over to
Garland’s Regiment yesterday, expecting to see Kirk, but learned he stopped in
Richmond. I fear he is frolicking. I hope not. If you have not seen him, try
and find him and do all you can to save him and get him to come at once to his
company.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In the
Dispatch of the 16<sup>th</sup> inst. is an extract from a letter of a
correspondent on the Peninsular signed “Soldier”, lauding me. It is all trash
and imagination, not a word of truth in the whole. I did command a battalion
that went into the enemies’ lines reconnoitring, and with two men as a guard I
went to where the enemy had their cannon planted the day before, but it was
nothing. Thousands would have done the same if they had had the opportunity. I
regret that such foolishness should be penned or published. Whatever of
determination or bravery I have is from God, and I would give Him all the
glory. I ask him to give me a humble spirit, to choke in me any ambition for
name or notoriety and to direct my steps and lead me where I should go, and
direct me in the performance of my duty. As far as the world is concerned, all
is vanity.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I have
slept in my clothes every night since I left home, sometimes in the field,
trenches, and tent, always ready for an attack. My trunk and all of my things
have been sent to the rear, the trunk to Richmond. I hope yet to recount to you
all around our own fireside the trials of the hour. Ten days more and I think
it will be determined. Idle stories will reach you. Wait on God continually and
have your strength renewed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
received you letter of the 11<sup>th</sup> with the lines. It was quite
comforting to see your courage and faith. May the Lord sustain you. Kiss the dear
children and remember me affectionately to all friends. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Your
affectionate husband,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>Jno.
S. Walker<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />joe5mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13381588340232280771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827376222112396668.post-20575351278011047022019-11-21T15:24:00.003+00:002019-11-21T15:24:51.830+00:00J. S. Walker Letter (14 April 1862)<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lees Hill, 14<sup>th</sup> April, 1862<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
My dear Wife:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Though I
have not heard from you since Thompson brought down one for me, I hope you are
all well and have heard from me. We have now been waiting the enemy within
sound of their drums for two weeks, yet they have not yet attacked us. When
they do, you may expect to hear of a sanguine battle. Our men are determined
and will give them a round of warm greeting. We have a good force, increasing
daily, and men in fine spirits. I have an abiding confidence in our cause and
great hopes that this will be the decisive battle of the war. We all feel that
a great deal depends upon us, and I hope by the aid of the Lord that we will be
able to conquer a peace. I try amid the trials of the hour to recognize my
dependence upon God and to have a faith that He will give me grace for every
hour of need. “<u>Tho He slay me, yet will I trust him</u>.” If I live to go
through this battle, I will let you know what our present trials are. If not,
my children may look back with honest pride upon the fact that their father
died in the defence of their rights. You will hear a thousand idle rumors, do
not credit them, but with prayer commit all to the Lord, who knoweth what is
best for us. My own opinion is that the enemy will not attack us here for
several days, it may be weeks, and that it will be a battle of several days
continuance. It may be that if they do not attack us, we will them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I sent
my trunk up a day or two ago to be forwarded to Richmond. It will be at Richard
Hankins near Ludlow and Watsons Rocketts. Kiss the dear children for me and let
our praying friends be untiring in their calls upon Jehovah for victory. My
health was never better than at present. Love to all.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>Every
your affectionate husband,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>Jno.
S. Walker.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />joe5mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13381588340232280771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827376222112396668.post-2666925869140029852019-07-19T12:44:00.000+01:002019-07-19T12:44:07.917+01:00My Confederate Uncle's $40,000 Mistake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2pnC4volEVV7V7F9Pm_JP4GXfizOvlqZKsF4-HaM2WjnNy1LtVV_lgPDHhnHJdrUogbcaAT2IOUbseozmyaMzy0eaRqKp_9L00Ny3f_iP_s2TXZmfIkXW4zc_Yg2pvP6Mylj4iZC3zeH/s1600/Am+Civil+War.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="925" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2pnC4volEVV7V7F9Pm_JP4GXfizOvlqZKsF4-HaM2WjnNy1LtVV_lgPDHhnHJdrUogbcaAT2IOUbseozmyaMzy0eaRqKp_9L00Ny3f_iP_s2TXZmfIkXW4zc_Yg2pvP6Mylj4iZC3zeH/s320/Am+Civil+War.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
A friend back in the USA recently sent me a stack of
Civil War magazines, as he knows I am a fan (in fact, it was the biggest topic
of study during my University days). I grabbed the first one on the pile last
night and read it cover-to-cover. While I enjoyed the whole issue, the best
came near the end when there was a passing mention of one of my ancestors!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The article was ‘Swindling Sociopath’ by Bob Gordon,
about a man named Alexander ‘Sandy’ Keith. Keith was Scottish born, but came of
age in Halifax, Nova Scotia. When the Civil War broke out, Keith set himself up
as a key ‘Confederate Sympathizer’ in the port. In reality, the man was a
swindler and fraudster with a nasty habit of insuring ships and then plotting
their destruction at sea! He would survive the war, but committed suicide in
1875 after one of his plots went awry, and a barrel of dynamite meant to blow up a ship,
exploded in the port of Bremerhaven, Germany killing 60 people.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Back in 1864, my great-great-uncle, Norman Walker,
(brother of my direct ancestor <a href="http://whatcolorisbutternut.blogspot.com/p/maj-john-stewart-walker.html" target="_blank">Maj. John Stewart Walker</a>) who served as the
Confederate agent in Bermuda came to Halifax with his family to escape an outbreak of yellow
fever. While there, Keith convinced Norman to invest $40,000 in a shipment of
barreled pork to smuggle into the Confederacy. Keith took the money, but never
bought the pork, and doesn’t seem to have made any attempt to do so. Anyway, he
soon slipped into the USA, and went beyond Norman’s reach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The article doesn’t give any more details of the story,
and perhaps that is where it ended. I’ve certainly never heard the story
before, but I do have a copy of the hard-to-obtain diary of Norman Walker’s wife, and it does
put the family in Halifax at the time – and it’s not surprising that such a
story might not be mentioned! I'd love to know where the author discovered those details.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
How great is that though? Picking up a magazine at random
and learning a little piece of your own family history?</div>
joe5mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13381588340232280771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827376222112396668.post-67856998167534698032018-03-16T11:59:00.001+00:002018-03-16T11:59:14.130+00:00Col. McCullough's Confederate Army Manual<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpaCgzAOYFcYc6xbN4BCvOY93HX7TYnz7JcXfGQb5tnvkXUo8CfZzp5CIo_zx6w5hfobbgfaJd-Lzc2wl0xW5NGwogMqbkH4n6IqM4cjji5Mvm7-yaFikRRpyvdqZZtescsAOwtRA-GyWt/s1600/Manual+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpaCgzAOYFcYc6xbN4BCvOY93HX7TYnz7JcXfGQb5tnvkXUo8CfZzp5CIo_zx6w5hfobbgfaJd-Lzc2wl0xW5NGwogMqbkH4n6IqM4cjji5Mvm7-yaFikRRpyvdqZZtescsAOwtRA-GyWt/s320/Manual+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
I was fourteen, I was poking through a dusty bookshelf in my grandfather’s
farm, when I made an amazing discovery…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">But,
before I get to that, I think a little family history is needed. The first
McCullough of my line came to America in the late 1700s. This man, the
‘original’ Joseph A. McCullough as he’s known in my family, bought a farm in
South Carolina and became famous for breeding horses. By the time the Civil War
broke out, that farm had become a small plantation, complete with little shacks
where the slaves slept. My great (x3) grandfather, James McCullough, who owned
the farm, joined the Confederate Army. For most of the war, he was a colonel in
command of the 16</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">th</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> South Carolina Volunteers, part of States Rights
Gist’s Brigade. He led the regiment in several battles, most notably around
Atlanta in 1864. Soon after that, however, he left the Army and returned home.
No one in my family seems to know the reason for this, but it probably saved
his life. The army next fought at the Battle of Franklin, where the Confederates suffered one
of the most devastating and complete defeats of the entire war. States Rights
Gist was killed, and every officer in his Brigade above the rank of Captain was
either killed or wounded.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mHMaqEYRQGn3f8MFhxqeyWUivd8yVt4HRjw8UdOe624CQyoFJ5Y3_x9y_IUf0KRAzCzG7KHSkB6D3IBv9KRsUTR0mlpSvoRerpAc21oMU1LhGEQvIv2BlOTxCKkew9JYl0P014Mwufmn/s1600/Maual+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="457" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mHMaqEYRQGn3f8MFhxqeyWUivd8yVt4HRjw8UdOe624CQyoFJ5Y3_x9y_IUf0KRAzCzG7KHSkB6D3IBv9KRsUTR0mlpSvoRerpAc21oMU1LhGEQvIv2BlOTxCKkew9JYl0P014Mwufmn/s320/Maual+2.jpg" width="121" /></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">After
the war, the farm fell into disuse, and my grandfathers instead embarked on
careers in law, politics, and the military. That is until my grandfather (also
Joseph A. McCullough) came back from World War II and decided to give farming
another go. My father was born and raised on that farm, and every summer when I
was a kid, we would go there to see the family and roam through endless acres
of South Carolina forests and fields.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">One
day, I was poking through a dusty book shelf in my grandfather’s house and saw
an old battered book with ‘Army Regulations’ on the spine. Opening the book to
the title page, I saw that it was ‘Regulations for the Army of the Confederate
States…published in New Orleans in 1861’. I think my heart actually skipped a
beat!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Flipping
back to the inside cover, I examined the book more carefully.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">On
the inside front cover is a book plate which declared the book belonged to the
‘Hon. Joseph A. McCullough’ and was deposited as a part of a collection with
Furman University in 1918. (Just because there aren’t enough Joes in the story,
this one is actually my grandfather’s grandfather, generally called ‘the Judge’
to avoid confusion).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">But,
what is more astounding than this book plate, is the inscription opposite it.
It reads ‘Lt. Col. James McCullough, 16</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">th</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Regiment SCV, Adams Run,
April 1862’. Thanks to the Complete Records of the Civil War, I have been able
to confirm that the 16th </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">S.C.V was stationed at Adams Run in April
of 1862. On the next page spread, which contains no printing, the book has been
signed again, in the same hand, ‘James McCullough, Lt. Col. 16th</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> S.C.V’. Both of these signatures were done in brown ink that has soaked through
the page.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TSsxlMAWrfu3zOLaail2oWW9FLV8CqlpUO77oFQwAYdgU-fiTT6Pj5Tf5yUYMOLq5xb8eEI6a_tQMVfHd9y7yELOSdc_EPWqkDihGW5j9LjoXlynyVz56aNVc7k8nL1m_kNkLhugy2jb/s1600/Manual+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TSsxlMAWrfu3zOLaail2oWW9FLV8CqlpUO77oFQwAYdgU-fiTT6Pj5Tf5yUYMOLq5xb8eEI6a_tQMVfHd9y7yELOSdc_EPWqkDihGW5j9LjoXlynyVz56aNVc7k8nL1m_kNkLhugy2jb/s400/Manual+3.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
book itself is pretty dry, as you would expect from an army manual, but also
filled with interesting historical details, such as a Rank and Command list –
who knew that Hospital Stewards held the same rank as an Ordnance Sergeant?
Instructions on how to organize the troops, write down orders, issue
ammunition, fight battles, organize wagon convoys, the proper style of
uniforms, and finally a section of blank forms for all kinds of things
including forms for pay and discharges.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It’s
not until we get to the last very last page that we, once again, encounter my
ancestor. On this last page, he has signed the book twice, once in ink and once
in pencil. This time, in both instances, he is ‘Col. James McCullough’. There
is also an extremely fine, and faint, bit written in pencil at the top of the
page. Despite several attempts, the only thing I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">might</i> be able to make out is the name at the end, which might be
‘Col. Ellery’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
book is in poor shape these days. I’m not sure how much longer the cover will
remain attached, and the pages are all slightly warped from moisture. Still,
they made books to last in those days, and I have little doubt, that baring
outside damage, it will still be around when I am gone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguyEgAvz7LZLfdu8SohJ3TAUeP80J0MQ9d-j-5dZcXq8TQmNjTVqyf1s-QFxHCVCA1kDtyj5Xa9zP5o6WFed0pDo2fgQ2mb6mb4Tsu5r4vZQYpdBenSpNKwZNIh3BTnTQl6G8uBK_TiJni/s1600/Manual+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguyEgAvz7LZLfdu8SohJ3TAUeP80J0MQ9d-j-5dZcXq8TQmNjTVqyf1s-QFxHCVCA1kDtyj5Xa9zP5o6WFed0pDo2fgQ2mb6mb4Tsu5r4vZQYpdBenSpNKwZNIh3BTnTQl6G8uBK_TiJni/s320/Manual+4.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Back
when I found the book, I took it to my grandfather. He seemed surprised that it
existed, and after a quick flip through, he handed it to me and said something
to the effect of ‘I think you’d better take care of this…’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
have tried to. It is my prize possession – a direct link to my ancestor and to
a horrendous yet compelling war.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
grandfather’s farm was divided amongst his children after his death. My father
owns a part. My uncle (yup, Joseph A. McCullough) owns the part that contains
the family graveyard. In the midst of that graveyard, under a small monument,
lies Col. James McCullough. I hope he is at peace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />joe5mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13381588340232280771noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827376222112396668.post-21357056206002181412018-01-25T10:57:00.001+00:002018-01-25T10:57:17.901+00:00Confederate Flags<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKWoq1Sia8nRZxyQ_eMpDWx3YZHHC52BuRVgNN80H7tIUR2_x621N7-demHUZEVo2rbAPlNXqhlruwTtkGiGeFAm64N9WzR1z1NwU9FtJ7UFQD-Dd_5n2ESRqG9Rylk3va0T41UC477wB/s1600/Confederate+Flags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1442" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKWoq1Sia8nRZxyQ_eMpDWx3YZHHC52BuRVgNN80H7tIUR2_x621N7-demHUZEVo2rbAPlNXqhlruwTtkGiGeFAm64N9WzR1z1NwU9FtJ7UFQD-Dd_5n2ESRqG9Rylk3va0T41UC477wB/s320/Confederate+Flags.jpg" width="288" /></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Last
year, my cousin (twice-removed) David Walker passed away. As far as I can remember, I
never actually met the man – maybe when I was very young – but we did trade
correspondence on a couple of occasions. Both David and I were interested in
the American Civil War, and specifically, our shared ancestor Maj. John Stewart
Walker who fought for the Confederacy and was killed at the battle of Malvern
Hill.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
few months after his death, I saw my cousin (once-removed) Lucy, and shave gave
me the little painting seen here. She said she took it from the wall of David
Walker’s house after everything else had been removed. Likely, no one in the
family wanted the responsibility of what to do with this obviously old, but
slightly…(actually, I’m not sure of the word I’m looking for here) piece of
history. Lucy said she felt bad that it had been abandoned, and knowing my
interested in the Civil War she took it for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">For
those who aren’t in the know about such things, the centre flag was the first
official flag of the Confederacy. However, because of its similarities to the US
Flag, it was soon replaced by the Confederate Battle Flag (the flag on the right)
for military operations. The flag on the left is the third and final ‘official
flag of the Confederacy’, and was only used for a few months before the
Confederacy’s collapse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">While
it’s nicely painted in most places, it has been somewhat crudely ‘cleaned’ with
white paint in some spots.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
Lucy gave it to me, it was in a frame, and on the back was a little sticker that
read:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ernest
Young<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Art
Store<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">3
N. Sevent St.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Phone
2656<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Richmond,
VA<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
feel safe in assuming this is the company that framed it. I suppose, if I was
really interested, I could get a sense of when it was framed by figuring out
when Richmond would have used 4 digit phone numbers, but I’m not sure what this
would really tell me about the piece.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZj7MstQM6-YbiOWRAF3GsmrWkizPhxfnVHOd63DfZTJenS4cyzwBwkpYTKb-V8ViLDyVLAkj2nxd841k13vZkU3pPkHu3KK5gvIZu8n1R3Mbbx-wxFPGe1XDqQfpUl6C3yhDeV60doiWM/s1600/100_1374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZj7MstQM6-YbiOWRAF3GsmrWkizPhxfnVHOd63DfZTJenS4cyzwBwkpYTKb-V8ViLDyVLAkj2nxd841k13vZkU3pPkHu3KK5gvIZu8n1R3Mbbx-wxFPGe1XDqQfpUl6C3yhDeV60doiWM/s320/100_1374.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hoping
to learn more, I took the painting out of its frame. Unfortunately, the frame
was so old, it crumbled away during the process, and the endeavour proved mostly for naught. On
the back of the painting, in pencil, are the numbers ‘9 x 11’ which is just the
size of the piece, probably written by the framers, and one little line of
illegible script in pencil, which may also be from the framers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
fear it will remain a mystery. At a guess, I would say the painting was done
by one of the wives or children of one of the Stewart brothers (At least 3 of
whom fought for the Confederacy). I think it is old enough to date back to the war.
More to the point, the further one gets in time from the war, the less likely
it seems that anyone would paint such a piece.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">So,
now I am left with the question of what to do with it. I admit it, while I
would feel no particular shame in hanging this on my wall (especially in a
country where it would have little recognition or meaning) I feel no compulsion to do so. In
fact, I’ve already got a photo of another of my Confederate ancestors on the
wall – that’s probably enough for one war. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">For now, I think I
shall just put it away in my filing cabinet. Perhaps to save for another
generation to ponder over.</span>joe5mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13381588340232280771noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7827376222112396668.post-50790487506585466972016-03-20T20:03:00.001+00:002016-03-20T20:03:48.385+00:00J. S. Walker Letter (3rd April 1862)<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Camp August, near Lees Mill, </div>
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Postoffice Yorktown,</div>
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3d April, 1862.</div>
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<br /></div>
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My dear Wife:</div>
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<br /></div>
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I
have written to you twice since I returned to camp, but have not received a
letter from you. I hope to hear soon, and that the Lord keeps you all in good
health. I understand there are all sorts of startling rumors in Richmond about
fighting on the Peninsular, all of which have not a bit of foundation in truth,
and I doubt very much whether there will be any for some time if we wait for
the enemy to attack us. I think it probable that Magruder will go down and
attack the enemy as soon as he gets a force sufficient. In the meantime, I am
more concerned about the reorganization of our Virginia forces.</div>
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It
requires a great deal of grace for me to see my men, who respect and are
attached to me, leaving me for the artillery and Cavalry service only because
it promises them some little relief from the arduous duties to which they have
been subjected, and they may have the opportunity to get by home in order to
report to the Company they propose to join. I have held myself above all
influence with them and sympathize with them in their desire to get home and
into easier service. I am determined to leave the whole matter in the hands of
the Lord, only asking him to keep out of my heart any ambition, of which I see
a great deal around me, and to direct my steps so that I may be useful to my
country. I am willing to stay in the army for the war and am satisfied I would
be most useful in the Infantry service. I could have easily raises several
companies of Artillery, but do not and did not believe I would be promoting the
cause by doing so, and consequently would not do it. I shall await Providential
guidance and will try and submit patiently and humbly to whatever He may
direct. In the meantime, you had better
get your furniture put in good order and let Coz Crenshaw have an idea that we
propose selling out, that you may have a good customer.</div>
Kiss
the dear children for father, and remember me kindly to all friends.joe5mchttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13381588340232280771noreply@blogger.com0