Richmond – Dr. Burney’s
4th June, 1862
My dear Wife:
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”.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Every
ours affectionately,
Jno.
S. Walker,
My address
Care of Dr. Burnley will be the earliest received.
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