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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.
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