1862 February 23 Camp Shields

My Dear Father

It is my usual time for
writing, therefore I write; tho' I have noth-
ing to say. You see by the date of
my letter that I have gotten well
& have removed to camp; tho' I have
not yet reported for duty & shall not
do so in several days. Yr. & mothers
letter reached me last thurfriday;
we got no mail from Richmond
Thursday or I had received it
then. I can't conceive why your
letters are always so quick to come
& mine so slow. But I had much
rather it should be so than reverse.

Our two big guns have come -- one a 32 &
the other a 24 pounder. One is placed at
Evans & the other at fort Johnson -- I mention
these facts because you heard them
so much talked of when you were
here & what we have much talked
of we are sure to feel some interest
in. the 24 pdr. came down yesterday to the
burnt bridge to practice -- fired only three

[page 2]
times because of scarcity of ammunition.
The General seems very much pleased
with his it. It's greatest range is, I think,
about three miles -- some of the company
thought ^'it was' more. We have now ten guns
in all our brigade -- General Hill command-
ing. We have now & have had since Evans
left two Generals, the other being General
Griffith. What the object in sending
him here is, I can't imagine. There are
not more than four thousand men
in the brigade. Griffith commands the
four Mississippi Regts. He being from the
same state. I recollect you thought
Hill [w]rong for saying publicly that he
was going to attack the canal with
these two guns when they came. It
turned out he sent the Yankees word he
wd. do so if they did not quit firing
over here. I write this to justify our Genl.
By the bye they across the river yester^'day', the 22nd,
a great noise firing cannon & music to cel-
brate that day. You see, ^'in the papers' they arrested
General Stone -- one of the charges against him
is for allowing ^'us' to build a fort within range

[page 3]
of his guns -- that is fort Evans. I have
often thought it strange he did so. Their
guns, during its erection fired on it one
day with great accuracy -- frightening
the negroes so much who were work-
ing on it, that they could not be stopped
before reaching Leesburg. The work
went on afterwards without interruption
although they had obtained the range so ac-
curately. Gorman is now their General. From
various things I have heard about Stone
sice I have been up here I would not
be astonished if we had a good deal
of his sympathy. The Donnelson fight
or disaster, which it seems to be, tho' we
have as yet no reliable accounts of its extent, has
created some excitement among the soldiers. It has
caused a good many to reenlist, of course
we are all sorry for it; but it has aroused a
spirit of strong determination. A great many
think of R. Island & Henry & Donnelson that
id did not make as much difference, as Wise
saw, "for they had not blood on their bayonets."
But I have been talking of things
which can not be of interest to you.
All the news in the way of war, wh. I

[page 4]
have, is that General Jackson expects
to be attacked in his present position
tomorrow, wh. is at or near Winchester.
This is official, therefore true -- but I
have learned since in the army
that the generals very often miscalcu-
late -- indeed they do not seem to know
much more of the movements of
the enemy than the privates. You
& mother both write me to come home
in April. I can not do so if I rein-
list. Again if I do so, I would probably
not be able to get one at any time next
winter. I would much prefer one then
to one now. And by reenlisting ^'now' a furlough
is guaranteed by the act under wh: I do so
on the first occasion wh: the "public exigen-
cies wil allow" & a bounty of fifty dollars;
wh: would not be unacceptable -- this
furlough the public exigencies I hope wd:
allow next winter. Duty compels me I
think to enter the army immediately
somewhere & I suppose this is a good a
place for a private as any. Dearest father
good bye -- My best love to mother, George & all
Farewell my dear father, may God bless you.
Yr. son W. H. Perry Jr.

[written on the side margins of page r]
I told Frank Williams that Joel Burns was in the army. He said he did not think he
was going to enter the army, But explained by saying
his family & business wd. prevent. Not as many soldiers were al-
lowed to leave on furlough as I wrote you word would be on account
of threatening aspect of the enemy along the lines the Generals order says.

1862 February 17 [McPherson's?]

[written on side margin of page 1, previous letter]
Nothing in the way of news this morning. It is a very ugly day.
It is hailing and sleeting.

1862 February 16 Mr. McPherson's

Mt Dear Mother

Your & father's letter came last
Thursday. I suppose you are all well tho'
you say nothing about it. You mention
father's fatigue but say nothing
about his health. Was he well when
he reached home? I have been fearful
that the excessive fatigue wh: he must
have undergone would make him sick.

I am gradually improving & hope to
be able to join my company in less
than a week. Tell father that two more
of my company have come over since
he left with mumps; & that Mr. McMillin
^'has' forfeited the high esteem in wh: Mrs.
McPherson held him, by getting in
a 'bender' two successive nights. He had
better be in camp. I am afraid that
father represented our company in a
a [as found] bad light to you, if he judged it by
the only specimen he saw. Mrs. M. charges
me five dollars a week instead of three, but
as I have drawn some money I can pay
it very well. A very large number of the

[page 2]
soldiers are reenlisting. From 10 to 15 of our
company will ^'get' furloughs for 30 days on
Monday; (among them Bb Knight) having
reenlisted for two years or the war. The law
is that not more than one twentieth of each
company may have furloughs ^'at a time' if they re-
enlist. This seems to be quite an induce-
ment. More than half of our company
would. These had a meeting & cast lots to
see who should apply for a "F" as it is
called by the soldiers; the understanding
being that those only who got the allowed
number of long straws should apply or
reenlist. By this means, you see; they so
managed that none reelisted but the
no. who got would get furloughs. If 10 were
allowed to go at a time by the law there
wd: be ten long straws. Dr. Palmer says
that my time expires with that of the
company wh: is the 21st of April & says he
has authority for saying so. I am sorry
if this is so: I had hopes it wd: be as
I wrote you in my last letter. I
would like very much to serve during
the summer & leave in the beginning
of winter. You all have doubtless
seen the law: as to militia Va's quota of

[page 3]
soldiers. I don't know whether to reen-
list now or not. As the time draws
near many are doing so who did
not intend to. I am desirous of perform-
ing what ever duty falls upon me in
Life.If it is necessary to ensure the safe-
ty of our cause that the old soldiers
should reenlist. I do not think I would
be exempt, & I am disposed to think
now there will be such a necessity.
The North is undoubtedly putting forth
all her resources, (wh: are very great
in every point of view) for one grand
effort. to meet this every power sh:
we can bring to bear will be greatly
needed -- indeed if we beat it back every
where at the first onset, we will not only
be fortunate, but I will be forced to im-
pute our success to divine interference.
If in this we succe^'e'd, the war must be short;
for the north will be exhausted -- on the
other hand, we would be driven into the
interior of the state & the war a desolating
one to Va. & protracted p^'e'rhpas to several years
before we succeed. That we shall succeed
I don't see how any sane person can doubt.
Still I know that three years (altogether) in

[page 4]
camp can not have a favourable
influence on any young man's man-
ners. I do not say morals because
I do not fear its effect in that way,
and I some times think I might be
able to do more good elsewhere & I
believe I have a sincere desire to do
good as much as I can.

1862 February 10 [McPherson's]

I am just as when you
left, this morning. I had no opportunity
of sending this to camp yesterday.
Send it by Tatum this morning--no war
movement about here. The enemy have
been firing this morning across the
river; we presume to celebrate the fall
of fort Henry. I did McMilin perhaps in-
justice above: for his face is swollen
this morning some. I hear to day that
recruits who entered the service after
the company was organized have to serve
twelve months from the time they
entered the service. this would detain me
you know until about the 28th of October. To
this I have no serious objection. Indeed I would
much prefer serving through the summer
campaign, provided I would be released at the end
of that time. This will enable me to do so. Reenlisting wd:
not, so I view it rather as a priviledge than otherwise.

[Written in the top margin on page 1]
Ask George how "Puffs is? My dear Father you do not
know how often I have thought of the inconven-
ience you must have suffered from your
long & tedious journey. How much sleep
did you get the night you left me? Were you
tired much when you reached Rich. or Home? Give my
best love to mother & all. dearest father farewell

Most affect: Yr/son W. H. Perry Jr.

1862 Feb. 9 Mr. McPhersons

My Dear Father

You can not imagine how
thankful I have been for the good
weather you had while going home.
For if you made all the connections, wh:
I suppose you did, you are now at
the Danville Junction. It is as cloudy
here the most of the time but warm
& pleasant; Snowing a little one day
but as you were then in the cars
it did not inconvenience you any.
McMillin told me you reached town long
before the stage left & ^'was' introduced to sev-
eral gentlemen who were going on with
you. I was very much releaved to hear
this. But will be a great deal more so
when I get a letter from you tell-
ing me you have reached home safely
and found all well. What kind of a ride did
you have on the white pony & with Mc
Millin. He was ordered that day to re-
port at fort Evans for duty; - in conse-
quence of that or something else he
has been sick in bed ever since. I

[page 2]
don't think he has much idea
of doing camp duty while he can
avoid it. I am about as when
you left. there is nothing going on
in the military line about here.
I have not had a paper since
you left. A Mississippian told me
just now that England had ac-
knowledged our confederacy -- But
the rascally Mississippians are so ignor-
ant I don't believe him. I suppose he
alludes to the advices from Europe wh:
we saw. I expect some one from camp
to day with my papers, & by whom I hope
to send this letter. An address was
read to the company from General
Johnston, the other night, asking
the soldiers to reenlist, McMillin tells
me, & offering from 30 to 60 days furlough
& a benefit of an additional $50.00/100 dollars.

You must write me all about your
trip home & if you suffered any
from cold? I don't reckon you found
Henry Williams a very intelligent company-
ion. What did George say when you
told him I had his Knife? Tell him I

[page 3]
am afraid some roguish soldier
will steal it from me like they did
the other one. Tell him to send me word
how his dogs come on? And if he has
caught any hares with them?

As to the colt which I said I wanted, I
did not mean to limit you at all
by what I said. I leave it entirely at
your discretion. I will only say I would
prefer a good horse & one with some
trotting qualities. For not withstanding
the ^'present hard times' war I hope at some future
day to be able to buy a wheeled vehicle.
Especially if I ever get a farm in
that excellent country of ours. I think
it preferable to any locality in Amer-
ica. I have often thought since you
left how confined you were while
here & regretted not being able to show
you the camps, battery, forts &c. I don't
believe you heard a cannon or drum
while here. Tell mother I think of her
flowers very often. I sincerely hope they
will continue as flourishing as they
are & that the cold will not injure
them. I see few flowers about here.
Indeed as you saw, on this & every other re

[page 4]
spect the people seem to have lit
tle taste for the beautiful. and
not much for the industrious. However
whatever may be the qualities of
my Landlord my landlady is very
industrious. I have never seen any
one who kept more constantly at
work.

1861 [sic] Feb. 4 Tuesday Mr. McPherson's

My Dear Father

Your kindly long letter was
received last Friday. It came to camp
Thursday, the day on which your letters
almost always come but was not bro't
to me until ^'the' next day. I am very sorry
my slight indisposition gave you uneasi-
ness. I think that I am now well.
But am staying here merely through
prudential considerations. I think its
probably I shall remain about a
week longer. The people I am staying
with are not of the first class. they
are uneducated & I suppose would hold
about the same station in society
that Liberty Foulkes & family do. They are
kind & do not charge me heavily for
board. I occupy nearly all my time while
here, by reading. Tho' the library is extreme-
ly limited & by no means select. I obtained
yesterday thro' an acquaintance the first
volume of Macauley's England. that will
probably occupy my time until I
leave for camp -- If not I shall try

[page 2]
and get the 2nd volume. I intend to try &
preserve them by leaving them in
Leesburg at the book store with direc-
tions to send them to me at home
when I write for them, sh: will
be when transportation becomes safe
& after the war: if I am spared to see
it ended. By the bye do you not think
we will have a long war? I think
every thing looks very much as if we
would. I am, as you, especially un-
easy about Kentucky. they are too
strong for us there & I fear have the
support of even the majority of
the young & fighting men. The late de-
feat of poor Zolicoffer will weaken our
cause very much there. Don't you think
General Crittenden's continued [intimidation?]
is probably owing to the division of his
family? His father & brother being on the
other side -- the latter a general. If we
suffer a defeat of importance in Ken-
tucky now it would lengthen the war,
for a long time I fear. For I am still
of the opinion that the leaders on both
sides know the struggle is now merely
as to where the boundary line shall be.

[page 3]
You ask if my company will reenlist.
The present intention of the company
is unanimous for going home. I think
however it possible, perhaps probable,
this desire may be changed at the time
for disbanding. For then a great many
volunt's. will be leaving & our forces conse-
quently much weakened, in addition to
this it will be about the time of the
oening of the spring campaign & our
generals very likely expecting an advance of
the enemy. these inducements I do not
think will have the effect of causing
them to reenlist, but probably to remain
in the field during the summer. However
our company is very much dissatisfied
with its present organization & this may
cause them to leave for home as soon
as possible. You of course did right
in offering my resignation to the ves-
try. I am pleased that you did so.

I forgot to mention above that I
think our soldiers are heartily tired
of thewar. Tho' I believe they would
rather ^'fight' for their lifetime than to reen-
ter the old union. Please write me who
the officers in the two new companies wh: you

[page 4]
mention as having just formed in
the county are & if they are infantry
companies. Has Lan been promoted any
in consequence of the vacancies occasi-
oned by the promotion of Hatc ^'k'etts resig-
nation of Stokes? You tell me to
write regularly. I have I think been
doing so. Tho' I don't know that it
is the best plan. We are subject every
day to the possibility of a move wh: wd.
throw writing materials beyond our
reach. Being in the habit of getting
letters regularly form me this failure
wd. give you much more uneasiness
than you would have if you were
not in the habit of receiving my
letters regularly. It is sooner in the
week than I generally write, but I com-
menced intending to write a few lines now
so as to be able to finish & send this
first time any one came to see me from
camp. But I see I have filled my paper
with nothing. I especially wish all that
portion about the was was out. Because
I know it will not be interesting to you
who see so much in the papers about it.
Every thing is extremely quiet along the lines

[margin page 4]
here about. I can give you no information as to the object of General Jacksons
expedition. I reckon it was more to see what would be

[margin page 3]
done than to do. The health of our camp is good. Some, a

[margin page 2]
few cases of Jaundice. Bob Knight has been suffering

[margin page 1]
with a slight attack of this but I think recov-
ered. I am acquainted with Taylor Martin; the
brother of the Rev. M. Martin. You speak of your beau-
tiful weather. I wish I could enjoy it with you or
since that is denied, that we would have some of it here. Last month
we had only one clear day. I think every day some that one it

[cross writing on page 3]
was hailing or raining or snowing. Hail predominates. The snow is now
thicker than it has been before -- about 2 1/2 inches. So far no clear
day this month, cloudy this morning but now sun is shining.
Snow will probably go before night & judging by the past
be on the ground again before tomorrow night. Yet I do
not think it has been extremely cold. I suffered most
in the last of November. It was then quite windy &
the winds are much dreaded here. I will not try your
patience by writing any more across. Tell mother there
are four of the worst children here I ever saw &
the father and mother not much better as they do
not control them at all. Give my best love to all.
Dearest father farewell & may heaven
ever bless you
Yr. most devoted son
W.H. Perry Jr.
My envelop is rough but the only kind I can procure in
Leesburg. But they will answer your and my purposes
as well as a fine one would.


Brig. Gen Felix Kirk Zollicoffer was killed during the Confederate defeat at Mill Springs, January 18, 1862.