Letters From Albion Martin

Albion Martin

David Rutherford Note: These eleven letters were first transcribed from the originals by Carolyn Martin Rutherford in 1971. Recently I decided to convert the typed transcriptions into computer text files and word processor files. While doing so, I examined the original letters when passages of the typed transcriptions seemed odd, did not make sense, or had obvious grammatical or spelling errors. I found that Carolyn Rutherford had transcribed the passages exactly - including errors in spelling, capitalization, punctuation and grammar made while writing the original letters. Therefore these errors you may notice in the letters, for the most part, were made by the original author. Indecipherable passages have been indicated by a string of dots (......).

I did my best to convert the typed transcriptions into computer files as accurately as possible. I may have inadvertently corrected errors in spelling, punctuation and capitalization which appeared in the original letters and first transcription. Also, I may have made typographical errors that were not noticed during the proof reading of the files. In just a few instances, I altered a word or two where I felt the first transcription was misinterpreted.

The 1971 transcriptions of most of these letters were included in the book, 'A Boy of Old Shenandoah', written by Robert Hugh Martin and published in 1977 (MacClean Publishing) through the efforts of his daughter, Carolyn Martin Rutherford. The book is a short collection of accounts depicting the boyhood events in the life of Robert Hugh Martin, my great-grandfather, who grew up in the Shenandoah Valley during and following the War Between the States. Included in the book are several accounts involving his father's military activities. One involves an account of the boy's brief inclusion in the retreat of Confederate wagon trains up the valley following a battlefield defeat in 1864. Another account briefly portrays Albion Martin's circumstances as the war ended. It is worth reading if you have any interest in the events of the War Between the States in the Shenandoah Valley. There are several eyewitness accounts of military events in the book, all of them through the eyes of a young boy whose 2nd floor balcony over the Valley Pike gave him a front row seat to the Shenandoah Valley campaigns of the Civil War.

In regards to the content of the A. Martin letters, the person named 'Hugh' who is mentioned a few times is the younger brother of Albion Martin's wife, Anne Gillespie (Koontz) Martin. Hugh Ramsey Thompson Koontz served in the Seventh Virginia Cavalry Regiment and attained the rank of Captain. According to historical accounts and family tradition, he was killed at Mount Clifton (Shenandoah County, near Mount Jackson) leading a charge against a detachment of General Sheridan's troops guarding barn and mill burners in October 1864.

Camp Harmon near Centerville August 26, 1861

Dear Nannie,

I mailed a letter Saturday and trust it reached on Sunday. My health has so much improved that I started last evening on a march towards Fairfax Court House but only marched about three miles when we met a courier with orders that we should about face. Another false alarm. We got back to camp a little after sunset. I was a good deal fatigued as it was the first exercise I had taken since my sickness. I was not compelled to go as I was still on the sick list but I was determined to go as far as I could. I did not like the idea of everyone thinking I was afraid to go. I started on a good dinner. I cooked my beans and baked what tomatoes I had left and baked potatoes. I succeeded in putting them up first rate. Luther and several others were opposed to having them did not like cooked tomatoes but when they eat of them they change their mind and wanted to know where I had learned to cook them in that style. If they had been fresh they probably would have been better. The beans were delicious. We will probably have a good many alarms but I do not anticipate a fight very soon.

Have you sent me any papers? I have not received any yet. I want you to send me some if it will not be too much trouble. If you have any indelible ink , please write my name on several pieces of white cotton just large enough for A Martin Co.I 33 Reg Va Vol. I want to sew them on my blankets and clothes, about half a dozen will do.

Monday night 26 1861. Since writing the above I have received your very interesting letter and the dispatch. Do not send anything to me by anyone claiming to belong to our Reg. unless you know him or something of him. I think the man you speak of does not belong to our Reg. I may be mistaken.

I regret that Will did not find me. I would have been very much please to see him. Bob Bowman took supper with us this eve- say they have 130 sick in the Reg. and the sick barefooted. Our forces are putting up breastworks within three miles of Alexandria. Hugh does not find camp fare palatable. I get along very well the only trouble is the want of variety but of late we occasionally get a little milk onions butter potatoes ........ Do not send me any clothing till I direct. I shall not need them for some time - may get home before I need anything If you should send anything in the way of eating - I do not ask for anything - you can put in some dark gray patches - the glass and piece of hard soap. You may send me a one dollar Rockingham Bank note in your next. I have ... (rest of letter missing)

Camp Kearnstown Nov 17, 1861

My Dear Annie,

I neglected answering you last letter because I hoped to see you before a letter could reach you but I have almost despaired of getting off at all. If I am not home in the course of three or four days, I shall give up the idea of getting home during the war. The first requirement is to dispose of stock, negroes and anything else you think best as soon as possible and prepare to come and see me while we are camped near Winchester. I can get boarding for you. I saw your papa in Winchester yesterday only for a few minutes only. I had leave to go up with him. My permission to go home has to go through the commissary general for approval and he is at Manassas or Richmond. I have sent in the request but do not expect much from it. So you can make arrangements to come and see me.

I think you had better sell the hogs for cash instead of having them butchered unless you expect to stay there and keep house by yourself. Pork is worth 7 or 8 cents per pound gross that is alive. Luther says they are fine and weigh three hundred pounds each. If you kill them it will take a bushel of salt nearly to cure them and I suppose from all acct you could hardly get salt at all - at any rate would have to pay several times its value for it is all this rascally speculator that makes salt so high for I am furnished with salt for the army at 75 cents per bushel. You can see where some of the rascality is. I have heard that Mr. Hardesty asks $20 a sack for his which is about five dollars a bushel. I think it will take something more than salt to save them from Hell. All such men shall be treated as alien enemies. They will prove a curse to our new country, for the majority of the fighting men in the Southern Army cannot support their families or hardly clothe themselves at present prices and all brought about by the speculators.

It takes one month wages as a private for a pair of boots which is an almost indispensable article of clothing at this time of year. I furnish the Officers of this reg. with provisions at the following rate of flour 3 cents per pound, beef stake (very fine) 6 cents per pound, Bacon 20, Coffee 25, Sugar (very nice) 6 cents per bushel, candles adamantine 25 cents per pound, rice 35 cents per pound. You can see how some men are oppressing the poor and especially the families of the poor privates who sleep on the ground with one blanket to cover them or do not have .........they may be call on to face the cannon and pour out his blood in defense of the infernal land shark at home. A terrible retribution awaits their sins.

My own position in the army is an enviable one but I know what it is to be a private in the service, in other words an humble soldier which means a good deal more than anyone knows of that never has occupied the front lines. I am prouder of the three months I served as a common soldier than any other service I ever performed or ever expect to perform in that length of time or during the balance of my life.

I regards to our own domestic affairs I hardly know what to advise-if we could sell our furniture and rent the houses I would approve of doing so for the reason that I do not expect to leave the army while the war lasts and if anyone knows when that will be he is wiser than anyone I have seen. So we will have to remove our property next spring or rent the house simply to for the purpose of keeping them unless or course you prefer or intend to keep house by yourself. I fear you could not get much for our things just now, towards spring we may be able to dispose of them to better advantage. I do not know as I shall never live in Harrisonburg again for any length of time and most likely I shall never practice dentistry again, at any rate till I try something else. If I can get home this week we could devise some plan to dispose of some of our matters (Domestic).

I suspended writing an hour since to roast a nice piece of beef after my own fashion and you know what I mean when I say roast beef. I surprised Luther and all the mess by a roast of beef some weeks. Luther declared in the start he did not like roast beef but after I roasted it and he tasted he could hardly git enough. I have nothing to roast beef in but a shallow skillet with a lid to it. If I had a deep oven I could do much better.

I supposed you would be surprised to see Luther instead of me after what I had written but his sickness and our removal to the Valley changed the nature of things very much and again I am a more important person in the army than he is and the sick plea was the only thing that took him home. Military authority is arbitrary in the extreme and we must learn to put up with it. There are a good many going home on one plea and another - some with permission and some without.

Nannie I love you devotedly and can this moment sacrifice anything in reason to see you but, by my honor, I never realized fully till since I left you how much I love you - I thought of a good many harsh words I have given you in moments of ill humor though not one of them with intent or forethought from the heart for that has always been true and warm for you and must ever be while life last. I have been punished for every unkind word given you and I think I never gave you any that I did not resolve should be the last, my absentmindedness has given you many an unkind word that I entirely was unaware of till you called my attention to it. I have no words to express my desire to see my Dear Nannie and Dear boy. And I hope for something to turn up soon that I will satisfy my longings, but until I secure permission required I will not go home-some would have gone home on the paper I had secured yesterday but they are absent without leave and liable to be reported so.

So that you may better understand the nature of getting furloughs and permission to leave, I will give you an exact copy of mine as I left it last evening at the Adjutant Generals office

Camp Kearnstown Nov 16, 1861

I respectfully ask permission to go to Harrisonburg Va to execute the bond and obtain the sureties required of First Commissaries to return on the 20th

A. Martin Capt. & A.C.S.

33rd Reg Va. Vol.

Approved

A.C. Cummings

Col Comdg 33rd Reg Va Vol.

On the back was approved

James F. Reston Col.

Acting Brigadier General

Now I have the recommendation of the Chief Commissary of the army but as I have the approval of Maj. Gen T. J. Jackson. Dear Nannie it looks like a hopeless case so do not be too disappointed for we are better off than thousands that are in the army. Their pay will not permit them to bring their families or are so far away that it is impossible. While I am no better now than when I was a private yet you will be more respected among strangers as the wife of a commissioned officer than you would as the wife of a private so I cannot go and see you. You can now come and see me if we remain in Winchester or vicinity.

Col. Gibbons took tea with you, did he. Well I have no objections. I presume he found it more convenient to do that then to walk a hundred yards to see me while I was in the rank, but I have not walked one yard to see him since we came into service and have no idea of doing so either if we stay ten years.

I have gotten the trunk at last and found two nice flannel shirts 3 pair flannel drawers 3 pairs socks 2 pairs cotton drawers and nice pillow, one silk handkerchief boots comfort and several other acceptable things among which are yours and Robby likenesses. It does me good to look at your face once more and little Robby so innocent and sweet. i have wanted those for a long time. The comfort is very good but almost too short. A big one would not have been too much this winter. I think Dear if you could see me some of these cold stormy nights you would not refuse me one of your large comforts. Night before last was the first night since the eighth of July that I have laid my head on a mattress and it felt comfortable. The little pillow is appreciated and everything else you have given me.

If I do not get home you will have to do the best you can with hogs and other things. I will send you a check for one hundred dollars - you will sell the hogs for cash. They ought to bring you between forty and fifty dollars if they are as good as Luther represents them. I do not know what to do with the cow. If Mr. Kingster does not come with Militia I will see what arrangements I can make with him.

I do not know as I shall need the shirts. I have only worn the other calico once, sent it out to wash last week but it has not returned yet and may never. I put on the calico you sent me and I presume it is the first, real clean shirt I have had on for three months or four. I may need another if we stay in Winchester this winter. I can afford to wear a white shirt sometimes. Since writing I was very surprised by the appearance of a fine looking young man in Military dress that I soon found to be Hugh. .............. and inquired for Dr. Martin. I was standing on one side of a ...... he on the other. He expressed great surprise at finding me looking so rusty. He came out from Winchester at dark and walked out at that. He has to return to Winchester by seven o'clock to take the train for Charlestown. He is the finest looking army man I have seen for some time. I was very glad to see him. He is now calling on the Mt. Jackson boys and Luther is fixing him a bed so he may take a nap. I think he fares pretty well, he told me that Mr. Yates had sent him a ham and pickles yesterday. Hugh left us this morning about five o'clock, he is in fine spirits.

I will write again in a few days, if I do not get home. Write soon and direct to Winchester, I enclose the Postage Stamps. From your Affectionate Husband.

Camp near Fairfax C.H. Oct. 6/61

My dear Nannie,

I fear your anxiety is becoming almost unbearable. I wrote you a hasty note last Friday night one week ago and stated that we were ordered to Munsons Hill on picket duty. We accordingly took up the line of march about eight o'clock on Saturday morning the 29th ......... all in fine spirits at the prospect of seeing Washington City on the distance but before we had left Camp one mile we met the Tenth Regiment on their retreat from Munsons hill. Our course was changed to the neighborhood of Falls Church or as near it as we could get and be out of danger of being captured. When we left we expected to return on the following Wednesday evening. Consequently we did not reach camp till eight o'clock P.M. but just as we were about to leave for camp we had our curiosity gratified by seeing a balloon go up from the Yankee camp on Munsons Hill - at least we supposed it arose from that point it went up until it looked like a mere speck. I suppose they had a complete view of our entire army in this section but I trust it will do them no good when the fight comes on because our eyes are open and a firm determination with nearly every man to fight or die. I may say I have no fear of the results. Our trust is in God.

Last Sunday we were drawn up in a line of battle about two o'clock and remained in that position till five o'clock and the slept on our guns with cartridge boxes on but no enemy appeared. Our Co. were on picket duty 2 days out of the seven we were away and nothing of general interest occurred in the time but of special interest to myself in the reception of a Commission and the appointment of Commissary in the 33rd Reg. by the President of the Confederate States. The commission and rank is that of Captain of Cavalry pay one hundred and forty dollars per month. My dear Nannie will that do for a start? I sent my letter of acceptance to the Secretary of War this morning so if you are not satisfied I can resign, but I trust you will give your consent to my holding on till something better turns up.

Yesterday morning I was almost certain of surprising you by my presence on the arrival of the cars in Mt. Jackson last evening. I had my permission approved by my Col. Inf. Brigadier Gen. T.J. Jackson and only wanted the approval of Gen. Smith to insure my safe passage to my home. I was so certain that I took my carpet sack and left Camp for home our General Smith's Head Quarters being on my route the train station. I sent for my permission for the approval was informed that I could go back to Camp and that I could go today if permission was granted adding that it would be doubtful though that my paper would be sent back to my Col. this morning granting or refusing. It was sent back with "Refused for the present" so I have to wait. Well I have practiced self denial a good deal in my time and especially during the last three months. I can wait a few days and may have to wait a good many.

I would have written a note yesterday to relieve your anxiety of mind if I had not be so certain of seeing so soon. I bore the disappointment like a true soldier.

I must give you a little history of my appointment to the Office of Commissary as I may have already been slandered in the neighborhood of Mt. Jackson and your ears may be pained by a rehearsal. About the first of September, a friend suggested that I should make application for the appointment of the Commissary in the 33rd reg. I consulted other friends and all encouraged and offered their aid. The Office was vacant - the duties discharged by the Quarter Master and his sergeant L.H. Ott. I waited from day to day for my friends to get up the recommendation. I being to modest to make the move myself. In the meantime, Col. Cummings received orders to detail a Lt to act till an appointment was made by the President. Jno. L. Pitman was detailed for the service. A day or two after a recommendation was drawn up and I took it to first to my own Captain who signed it, and then to Capt. Jno. Gatewood who signed it without comment as all done afterwards who signed it all with exception of one or two who remarked that they thought Pitman was Commissary - had not noticed the difference or from ignorance or carelessness between acting Commissary and Commissary in fact - a simple explanation was sufficient. One asked if Pitman did not wish or desire the appointment. I replied that I did not know and that I took the position that he had an office and a good one with firm prospect of promotion. I had none and was determined to get the office of Commissary if honorable means could get it.

Two Captains of the ten in the reg. refused to sign my recommendation for the reason that Pitman might desire this himself. One of them was his own Capt. Geo. Allen who signified his entire willingness to sign my position if Pitman did not intend to apply. I was advised by some not to apply to Capt. Allen thereby keep my movement hid from the said Jno. L. Pitman. I replied that I should ask his Capt. to sign solely for the reason that he might know what I was doing and that he could never bring the charge of underhanded movement on my part. Capt. Allen informed him immediately and Pitman spoke to Braithwort and Luther H. Ott about it and showed plainly that he wanted the office, he did not mention the affair to me. I went on doing my best to secure the office and supposed he was doing the same. Col. Jones gave me as good a recommendation as could be given. I think Chaplain of the regiment gave me a good word. Col. Cummings added a little - the appointment was made on the 21st of Sept the date of my commission.

I received my commission on Friday and of course the news soon reached Pitman he fairly foamed with rage said I had taken advantage of him and intimidated that I had done what I gentlemen would not have, I ought to have knocked him down would have done so but for fear of court-martial. We can never be friends again greater meanness I never met with sure. He was looking for the choice of three positions Office he has, the commissary and promotion to Captaincy in place of Capt. Allen when he resigned. Because I did not go to him and ask him if I might apply for the Office I am a rascal in his estimation. I could have told him that some of his name had held position that were not obtained honorably but I confined myself entirely to our own matters, he did not make anything off of me. If an office can be secured in a more honorably way than I have obtained mine I am at a loss to know how it is to be done and he knows it - and it was only his disappointment that put him in such a bad humor- he was rather green he thought he had the office because the Col had put him there but there is a man that out ranketh Col that makes this appointment and when they are made they cannot be superseded. I have to give a bond in the sum of twenty thousand dollars for the faithful discharge of the duties of the office and that is the hook on which I expect to get home on. I did not expect to take charge of the office till I had given my bonds, but General Jackson informed me that I can and give the bonds when more convenient to do so. I cannot tell when I shall be able to get home - not as long as there is a fight expected but Dear Nannie you need not have so much anxiety now, for I think Commissaries are rarely ever killed in battle. I'll get home as soon as I can.

A sad affair occurred in our camp last night just before dark. The reverend Mr. Holland Lutheran minister from Harrisonburg was accidentally shot in the arm, he was compelled to have his arm amputated. He is universally beloved and respected by all. He is certainly one of the best companions I ever met. He and I came to camp ahead of the Reg. the night before and had a very pleasant chat. Very fortunately it is his left arm.

I think I have written about enough for once. Col. Jones told me he staid in Mt., Jackson 24 hours and only heard you were there a short time before he was too leave otherwise he would have called to see you. He is a very clever man. I hope you will soon have an opportunity to send my watch and boots but do not send them unless by as safe hand that will bring them to Camp. I would like to get home for a few days very much but is no use to try now. Write soon.

From your Affectionate Husband

P.S. You may not send the watch now. Luther and I are together and he got his watch yesterday one will do when he breaks his I'll send for mine. When you go to Harrisonburg you better bring away those hams, I may need them I have to buy my own rations.

Camp near Greencastle, Pa June 23d 1863

My dear Annie,

I wrote to you a few days since but as I have an opportunity to send by S.E.K. Moore will scratch a few lines. We are in Maryland yet but within 3/4 miles from Pa. We passed through Hagerstown today and we never have received such demonstration of welcome in any Va. town. They like us but not our money. General Rodes is in Penn. with his Division.

Capt. Amick A. Q. M. for the 33rd was mortally wounded by a bushwhacker on last Sunday. He was on his way home in Morgan Co. and riding along the tow path of the canal and when near Clear Spring Md. was shot. We all tried to persuade against him going at all and especially on this side of the River as there are many bad men living in his region and he knew they were his personal and Deadly enemies.

I probably shall be solicited to accept the position of Q. Master of the Reg. and I hardly know whether to accept or not. I am tired of the army but it is better than going into the ranks again. I will act upon your judgment in the matter. I have been looking forward to the time when I should be relieved and go home but it may be better in the end to remain in service if the position is offered to me. I shall not seek it.

Write soon and direct as I have previously indicated, 33rd Reg. Stonewall Brigade, Johnson Division, Ewell Corps.

Love to Robert and his Ma.

Your Affectionate Husband

Camp near Hamilton Crossings May 10, 1863

My dear Nannie,

We have had a terrible battle and driven the Yankees with great slaughter across the river. Our own loss is very heavy in men and officers. General Jackson was wounded by our own men. His arm was amputated and it was doing very well. He took Pneumonia and died today.

What a calamity to the Confederacy. He was wounded the night before the decisive battle and it cast a gloom over the whole army, but they fought more desperately the next day than ever.

The office of Regimental Commissary has been Abolished. I expect to be home in the course of a few weeks or less, must settle my Commissary Affairs first.

It is expected that we are to follow up the Yankees in a few days, everything indicates it. I am Anxious to hear from (you). It seems everybody else gets letters. I hope you will write soon. I have been sick for several days though nothing serious. Do not forget to write and direct to Guineas Station as usual - love to Dear Robby and his ma.

From your Affectionate Husband

Camp Paxton May 19, 1863

My dear Annie,

I have been looking many days for a letter from you. The last one from you was dated about the 20th of April. I feel a good deal of anxiety fearing you may be sick. Letters are coming through from below Mount Jackson so I can not define any cause for your silence, unless you are very ill. It is already more than a month since I heard a word from you and I have passed through so much during the past month that it seems two instead of one. Time drags with me at best, for I am in suspense- every day expecting to quit or to be reassigned to other duty. It is generally expected by all the reg. Commissaries that we shall secure orders to close out with the present month. It is thought by many that we shall be assigned receivers of the tax in kind. If I am ordered to Rockingham or Shenandoah Counties, I shall be very satisfied with the change. Almost any post will be better than duties in the field.

I am almost sure it will be impossible for the regiments to get along with out a Commissary but Congress thinks otherwise and the experiment will have to be tried. John Gatewood has been here several days, says he staid in Mount Jackson over night and saw Mr. Koontz but heard nothing of the family but was sure that the Yankees had not carried you all off. I suppose you have to submit to the indignity of having the house searched. I heard they searched every house in New Market and Mount Jackson. They surely have not heard of Hookers defeat else thy would not have ventured up the valley. As soon as the battle was over on Sunday I had no fear of movement up the valley. Old Hooker must have deceived them. Did they represent General Lee as whipped as they went up?

I engaged yesterday in the collection of funds for the erection of a monument to the memory of Gen Jackson to be over his remains at Lexington. All had to be done by the old Stonewall Brigade. Mrs. Jackson has consented that the Brigade may put what they choose over his remains, but no one else. Everybody feels like giving something for everybody claims an interest in the memory of Gen Jackson but the old Stonewall Brigade have the highest claims. They have made him what he was at his death, and fought all his battles, if that does not give them the highest claim there is nothing they can do on earth to entitle them to it. The Brigade lost four hundred and eighty-nine in the Battle of Chancellorsville on Sunday May 3rd 1862 in killed and wounded. The thirty third lost sixty six - ten killed and fifty six wounded. The Tenth Reg. had the hardest fighting they have ever done.

I am sad at the thought that Sam Walker was killed - his wife must suffer terribly. If he had escaped this time in all probability he would have been elected to the Senate. He could have resigned and gotten out honorably having lost the use of his hand from his wound last August. He has gone and many more with him who will be as great a loss to their friends as he but we do not know them therefore our sympathy is not so great.

Reinforcements are coming to us from Richmond and there are indications that Lee will move across the Rappahannock if Hooker does not get ready first and cross to this side. But I think his head is too sore to venture soon. I sent some of my baggage to Page County today and hope soon to follow it but must wait the orders of the Secretary of War. I am very desirous of leaving soon for I have been sick for two weeks though a good deal better, but, do not believe I shall entirely recover my health as long as I have to stay in this location.

The Stonewall Brigade has contributed about six thousand dollars to the monument - the 33rd nine hundred dollars.

The mail has come today but no letter for me. I think every day I shall certainly get a letter - you will certainly write soon. I heard a few days ago that Rubin fry lost all the letters sent to the Valley by him. I wrote to you and Luther Ott. He certainly was very careless if he lost them. I thought it rather strange that you did not mention receiving a letter by him. I suppose he did not tell you he had one for you!

I hope Robert is well again and going to school this fine weather. Hope to see you both by the first week in June. Write soon and direct to the Stonewall Brigade. I send much love to Robby and his ma.

Your Affectionate Husband

Camp Paxton May 24th 1863

My Dear Annie,

The long looked for letter came to hand a day or two since, and, it seems you also have been waiting with some suspense. I had begun to suspect as much. I have written twice since the battle, this making the third time. I also wrote just before the Battle and from your silence in regard to some information given you, I think you never got any of them except the last one which I hope and trust has reached your ere this. I have been in great suspense since the last month. I have been expecting orders that would relieve me from duty, but, they have not come yet but expect them this week, either to relieve me altogether or assign me to duty in some other department.

So you thought I was wounded. I had heard that a dispatch had gone to Staunton reporting a Capt. Martin with other wounded but thought nothing of it - did not think you would see it or did not know that the name was in connection with Maj. Huston's. There are a good many Martins in service, but, I do not know to whom the dispatch referred. I was near the battle while it was going on, but of course, I kept out of danger as much as possible, as far as I know, but men are wounded and killed when considered in safe places. When there are so many bullets and so many men some are apt to be hit. I am glad to hear that you got through the Yankee raid some well, or so much better some others have done although it is terrible at best.

The weather is warm and sultry. Water very bad. We live on peas and bread and Meat. We are all tired of Bacon - have only had fresh beef once since I returned to camp from furlough. My dried fruit has been a great help to us. We are getting a few onions from Richmond at 25 cents apiece. I got two dollars worth and they made us a nice fry for breakfast.

If I am relieved I intend to bring sugar home. It now sells for 8 $ per pound and we get plenty. In your last letter you did not mention Robbie at all, hope he has gotten well. When you see Hugh, tell him he must leave a place in his company for me.

I expect we shall have another fight erelong. The Yankees have got to make an effort to retrieve this lost fortune. Our real loss in the last battle is much less than published accounts. Every Regiment likes to have the credit of being in the hottest of the fight (after it is over) so they publish as lost every man that received the slightest scratch or slight bruise. I saw several names among the lost that were on duty again before the list was published. General Lee has had to issue an order to the effect that only those really wounded are to be counted in the lost and must not give the strength of the Regiment when they went into the fight. I will write again as soon as I can ascertain where I am to go. Write soon.

From your Affectionate Husband

Camp Stonewall Brigade August 18/63

My dear Annie,

I arrived in camp this Tuesday morning about half hour by five. I had a pretty long lonesome ride the evening I left you. I got to Timberville just at dark and received a very cordial welcome from uncle Billy. I found him reading his bible - as I approached him he looked up in my face and asked is it you and then there was a tremendous shaking of hands etc. He soon had supper set, we chatted till after ten o'clock. He really looks lonesome but, I suppose he is not. His front yard is a perfect wilderness of weeds grass and bushes, you cannot see the front door from the street. I left about eight o'clock and reached Harrisonburg about eleven and as I passed our church I heard Mr Fletchers voice. I would like to have been in time for preaching but my horse lost a shoe several miles from H. which detained me some time.

I took dinner with Mr. Aikin. I cannot slight Mr. and Mrs. Aikin - their friendship is so disinterested. I went over to "our house", everything seems to be doing very well. Only one tree has apples - Grape vine very full. I could not help feeling very sad while there the past in contrast with the present comes up so vividly. I sometimes feel very much like buying the property anyhow.

I went out to Mr. Vanleans in the evening, left next morning at half past seven and rode to within four miles of the Brigade till nine o'clock P.M.- nearly fifty miles. I rode into an old field tied my horse to the fence and laid down on the ground and just as I was going to sleep a toad hopped on my face, I was more scared than hurt. I got up at daylight and soon rode into Camp where I found all ready for breakfast and glad to see me - everybody in fine spirits - the army is recruiting finely. They are now granting furloughs, a few of course from each Regiment. I am confident you will hear a good report of this army ere long. The soldiers are devouring the roasting ears at the tune one dollar per dozen. Write soon and direct to Orange C.H. Va. love to Rob and his Ma.

From your Affectionate Husband

Camp Winder April 5, 1863

My dear Nannie,

This is Easter Sunday the boys say and if a hard snow storm is any proof then it surely is Easter. The wind has been blowing a perfect gale here for several days and last evening about dark it began to snow and continued snowing and blowing hard all night and now at ten A.M. it has stopped snowing but the wind continues very high. Our Reg. is on picket duty at the river and had a very hard time of it last night.

Your letter of the twenty-seventh .... was received early last week. I would have answered sooner but had written the day before, which trust has reached you ere this. Henry Billings got to camp several days since, but did not give me much news. I suppose there was none afloat. The fishhook arrived safe and is just the size. I made a nice line and had everything in readiness to go fishing yesterday but the day was too cold and windy. I hope to have a chance to use it. I sent down the river for a pair of Shad And Oh! what pleasure then would be to share them with my Dear little family but so long as the pleasure is denied us we must make the best of it. I trust it will not always be so. I hope all will soon be able to enjoy life and the companionship of loved one by their own fireside these cold days - but matters look gloomy enough I admit - although I am not without hope - our affairs inside the Confederacy look worse than around the edges.

You probably have not heard of the Women Riot in Richmond last Thursday and will only hear of it by flying reports. The papers will not publish anything. I have it from Col. Bushwell of Pa ... who was in Richmond and saw as much of it as one man could and came to Camp next day. Gov. Letcher could have could have prevented any serious disturbance but he was too light for the emergency. About 800 women first went to him and demanded relief or asked him to do something to relieve them. He at once ordered them to disperse and accompanied the order with a threat that if they did not disperse at once he would have done it at the point of the bayonet. They did not disperse, however, but pitched into the provision stores and jew shops and all sorts of shops and not only took eatables and something to wear, but stole everything they could lay there hands on. One woman was seen carrying off a pair of Cavalry boots. The military was called out and threatened to fire on them but I think they were stopped by kindly appeals from some benevolent Gentlemen and by an assurance from all that their wants should be attended to. The Young Mens Christian Association is doing a good deal but as they have no system it is feared their charities do not reach the proper persons.

I have no doubt that there were some honest suffering women in the crowd -wives of Poor privates but I am inclined to think the majority of them were undeserving women (foreigners) whose husbands are not in the service but at home and instigated the riot - some of the ringleaders have since been arrested. - If they had confined themselves entirely to robbing the extortioners I would not care a farthing about it - There is a house in Richmond with over a thousand barrels of Flour which cost the owner 13 $ per barrel. The day before the riot he was offering 35 $ per barrel but would not sell. Such men as he are starving the wives and little ones of the brave men who are fighting to free our country from the tread of the foul invaders. I see no difference between the invaders and extortioners except the extortioner is far worse of the two and ought to be dealt with according to their deserts and if the men will not put him down, I glory in the spunk of women.

There has been a great Cry about impressment in paying market prices and my notion is if it is right to impress a man into service it is also right to impress the bread and meat to feed him and also his family if they are poor and most of them are. I have considered this is a righteous war on our side but I fear it is being conducted on very unrighteous principles. It is hard to do justice at all in this world. Our Generals aim to do what is best for the cause but there are some things done which I would not like to have to answer for in this world and in another world - although like the publican I do not thank God that I am not like other men for I am sure my own sins are greater than I can bear. I think it wrong to shoot a poor man for going home to see his starving family, especially when his rich neighbor can remain at home with impunity. A man of property can prove he is over forty years old. A poor man is brought to the army and if he is fortunate as to be placed under humane and gentlemanly Officers he will succeed after several weeks suspense in getting his discharge. If we ever have another war I want those who make it to do the fighting. Rub Fry has been brought back here and according to the law of Congress and order from the Secretary of War he ought to be sent to the Cavalry. And this is only one case in which a soldier does not get his rights.

I hope Nannie that you will be able to get away from Mount Jackson before the Yankees come up. I cannot bear the idea of your being shut in their lines again - and should you do so you will be almost certain to lose Mat. I know you are not prepared for that. I do not much think they will get up so far but much depends on our success here and the good use we make of it. We are sanguine of course and have no fear of the result - but I shall feel better when I know we have whipped them. A Yankee deserted yesterday and came to our lines with his carbine and he says the government are making great efforts to get men to enlist again but they all swear they are going home when their term of enlistment expires. There will be something done I suppose as soon as the weather changes and the roads become firm. I did not think of Robert's birthday. I was quite busy on that day.

We are doing much better in the way of meat. We got new bacon and most of it is quite sweet. My dried fruit helps me very much. We have been giving the men molasses of late. I had a taffy pulling a few nights since succeeded first rate. I could not help thinking of old times. I am looking a for another letter from dear Nannie and shall be disappointed if I do not get it in a day or two. Write soon. Love Robby and his ma.

From your Affectionate Husband

Oct. 25th 1861

My Dear Annie,

I received your dear letter a day or so two since, it was great relief to my mind. I imagined all sorts of things happened to you. Your letters have all gone through with such dispatch that I could hardly think that it had gone astray. My letter must have been some relief to your mind, especially in regard to the controversy between Jno. L. Pitman and myself.

We were all very much ...... that he approved my ...... of Captain Allen and Lt. Ripley. They may have some influence at home among fools who measure good sense by dollars and cents but here they have about as much influence as a Jack Ass or Dr. Bowman. It is all over now and I think Pitman is ashamed of his conduct but it is all the same to me. I have let other persons run away with my rights as long as I intend to. I am a very clever fellow as long as I stand back and let others secure first rank.

You were right in your supposition that my present position was not the one I preferred or was looking for but from the force of circumstances surrounding me I thought best to pull for a harbor I would be more likely to gain than to wait among the breakers for the breeze that would carry me to my chosen harbor. I gave you hints of my hope but these things are so uncertain that I thought best to say but little about it that there should be no disappointment.

I'll give you some further account of my three months accomplishments. You know I made, I may say, a strong effort to get out of the Cavalry. You thought, as well as many of my friends, that I had not acted wisely in sacrificing a horse to get out and then less so by going into another company considered most desirable by all horseman and young.

I done what I thought was for the best and I never have had many regrets on the subject. I was not sure that I should be able to convince my friends that I had acted wisely. I was impressed with the idea of getting out of the Cavalry and determined to do so if I could do so honorably. I got out and went into the ranks of the Rockingham Confederates and served one month faithfully and it is a month I shall always be proud of although I done no fighting but it was not my fault for I done some had marching to get to the Battle of the 21st of July. And I have marched several times to meet the enemy.

On the first of August I was detailed to act as 4th Sergeant in the place of David Huffman who went home since and Capt. Jones intimated then that he would not let me go back to ranks but he was soon promoted and went to Harrisonburg. Lt. Huston was next in the way of promotion but the second Lt. had a desire for the same office (Capt.). I advocated Huston's claim but the company are a set of ignorant dopes which can be operated on by designating men, votes bought etc. I soon discovered that there was no chance for me, for any person who is a perfect gentleman, and of course there would be no chance for me to be promoted and most likely would have to take my place in the ranks again which by the by is very honorable but not honored, and there was another consideration - my age would probably preclude my rising very high on the fighting list as I never have given my attention to military matters until I came into to the service and promotion by the suffrage of a Company of ignorant men is not anything to be particularly proud of and especially if one must resort to means to gain their votes repugnant to a gentleman. They have no appreciation of worth, talent or anything else that is honorable. I determine to present my claims where they could be appreciated. Jefferson Davis is my man. It is a source of gratification to me that I have come to the position ........................................ months active since as faithful as anyone can render - at any rate I have shown that I can serve and am willing to serve in the humblest capacity as a soldier.

Dr. Koontz is behind the age; to talk of the Capt's pay being one hundred and eight. A long time ago when we lived in the united states the pay was one hundred and eight but in the present day in the Confederate States the pay of Captain of Infantry $130, Capt of Cavalry $140 which is my rank and entitled to draw $...... for the ...... but I only draw for one. The Confederate States pay her officers well but her men not so well. The Rockingham Confederates have been in service nearly four months and have never received one dime and many of them have families at home living on the charity of the inhabitants of Rockingham which never will fatten anybody.

I am very much obliged to your papa for his offer to fix any papers for me. If I cannot get home........... from near Halifax C.H. to near Centerville again, our post office is Manassas Junction again, but there is no telling how long we shall stay here You must not be surprised to hear of us in Winchester in a few days or in Maryland or somewhere except Mt. Jackson. I wrote home for a trunk and some clothes bedding, etc. but fear you will have no opportunity of sending it to me. How much I wish to see you but little chance of getting home.

I have an assistant and we are kept busy. I have a large family to provide for, have gotten along very successfully so far. I trust I shall be able to discharge the duties of this office with credit. ...................... Jenkins came to camp this evening who says he saw you yesterday and that you were well and had a trunk that you thought of sending by him but concluded to wait till I came back home. If that was your reason, I shall not suffer for the clothes before I get them, suspect you did not like to trust him with them. It is a hard company. If there is not a man that can be trusted with a trunk from Mt. Jackson then I can get along with for awhile if the weather does not get much colder.

I have no idea when I can get home. I have the excuse of the bonds to grasp on but while the army is in such an unsettled state I must stay with them. I have taken a responsible office and one that pays. I am going to do my duty - sure I hope we will be ordered to Winchester. There is some prospect of it, then you can come and see me. If I cannot go to leave.

We are living part by will and part by sweet potatoes. Luther got a crock of nice butter from home which we have enjoyed very much, well Luther is a good fellow. Here is the place to try men. I know enough of D.H. Walton, every time I see him I imagine I see duplicity written all over him in large letters, say nothing ......... I will tell you more of him some other time.

I enclose a copy of the certificate Col. Jones sent me which secured me the position I now hold. I shall not forget S......... He is wholesouled man if he is a brother of Mrs. Christa's. Write soon again Dear, kiss Robert a hundred time for me.

From your Affectionate Husband

P.S. This is my official signature

A. Martin Capt A.C.S.

33rd Reg. Va Vol.

Winchester July 15, 1861

My Dear Annie,

Yesterday I received your letter by Dr. Dold - today yours of the 13th came to hand. I was very glad to hear from you yesterday although I did not doubt that you were well and safe at home enjoying home comforts but was very much disappointed that I did not hear from you sooner. You ought to .... Thursday night at any rate. I am sorry you were not prepared to receive the intelligence of my enlistment or volunteering. In your letter by Dr. Dold you say you are proud that I am in the service of my country and in the last you seemed distressed and probably surprised that I am in the confederate army for twelve months if my services are needed. I thought you expected me to stay when I left. I done everything I could to honorably get out of the volunteer service ......... you did not seem satisfied and wounded my feelings several times in regards to the substitution. I thought you preferred me to go in my own place ... when I left you I did not expect to return soon if ever ..... for I know the same power that require me to report myself would keep me there because they believe I am a better man that those that make so much noise about fighting.

The whole Company pronounced C.L. Miller a coward and believe that is all the trouble with him. He is a mean man and they did not care to associate with him. Virginia is invaded by a large force of armed scoundrels and everybody let there inclination be what that may in regard to and will have to stand up and do what they can to drive them from or soil, unless they are overwhelmed by cowardice then there is nothing they will not resort to get out of the fight. I am a northern man by birth and maybe a coward but I am of the opinion that I shall be killed of bullets of the enemy before I resort to any dodge or mean thing to escape the war. The dodgers are numerous and as a general the men who own the property will do little of the fighting. Most of them are in an honorable or paying position and look with more or less contempt on the poor privates who expose themselves to protect the property and firesides of the contemptible puppies.

In regard to the militia service there is nothing very inviting about it. They drill as much as the volunteers and they are at work with shovel and pick six hours each day - and never will receive any credit for being in the war. Everyone must do for himself as he thinks best. In regard to the term of service there will be little difference. If we have to fight four hundred thousand men from the north and there seems a goods prospect of it at this time every body, cowards included, will have to come and help fight- and no man now at home need not flatter himself that he will escape this war. I fear you will have some trouble in reading this miserable scrawl. I am writing in a room surrounded by from fifty to 100 hundred some singing, fiddling, talking and walking.

I attended Dr. Boyd's church of Sunday and heard an able sermon by the chaplain of the 4th reg of Ala. Vol. I cannot think of his name-he is from Huntsville.

Do not make any change in our affairs at the present for it is somewhat doubtful whether I can stand the service or not. It may be well for you to go to Harrisonburg in a week or two simply to see that all is doing well- let the cow stay at Mr. King res. I will write in a few days to several persons who owe me to send their notes to you. It is better to have there note than the money. In that way the interest will am't to something and be quite safe as bank notes. I hope you did not exchange the sisters money at much of a discount. If you go to Harrisonburg and bring those hams down to Mt. Jackson do so for I shall need them here if I stay. If I could have some of our tomatoes I would like it very much. I have eaten nothing but dry bred and coffee since I went into camp. We have boiled fresh beef and it is as good as a dose of salts for the bowels.

Everything is in motion this evening. The Cavalry are coming in from their camp twelve miles below here and report the Federals advancing. I just saws and said goodby to several of the soldiers belong to Col. Gibbons regiment as they passed through town to meet the enemy. All of the troops quartered above town passed on the road to Martinsburg this evening. Gen Johnston's force here has been largely reinforced within the last few days and we here of several thousand more coming. Our Company has been detailed to guard the prisoners at the jail. Should the expected fight come tomorrow will not be in it.

Tuesday Morning. All seems quiet now The pickets bring the intelligence that the enemy are eleven miles below here just halfway from Martinsburg on a farm owned by a brother of Dr. Boyd and I have heard that they are burning his wheat, but I do not believe it. Yesterday everyone expected a fight today, now it probably will not come off till tomorrow or the next day. It cannot be delayed many days if enemy advance any farther. The militia have thrown up excellent breastworks for us to stand behind. I have no fears but that we shall cut them all to pieces. We have not less than twenty five thousand troops here including the militia.

Write soon. - Give my love to all and kiss Dear little Robert for me. Farewell Dear Nannie. I will keep you posted with our movements and remain your true and affectionate Husband.