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[edit] 1870 United States Federal Census1870 United States Federal Census
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[edit] Letter To Bethia Lyne White BuchananBorn 1794, Died 1883 From Her Son Felix Grundy Buchanan
Dear Mother, As I have an opportunity of sending you a letter by hand, which may be the last for some time, for I know of no one going home after this, and it is very seldom that we can send to the post office, so I have concluded to write you a short letter. Short from the fact, that I know but little to write - nothing of interest has transpired in our midst since I wrote to some of you. I continue to have good health, and for the last two weeks I have gained considerable flesh, so much so, that at this time I weigh several pounds more than I did before. There is but little sickness in the Regiment, as little as there has been at any time since we left home. The weather for the last week has been delightful, but the nights are rather cool for a camp. But no one seems to have even the slightest touch of cold, the only damage cool nights generally do. Just here, while speaking of the cool nights, I will say a few words concerning my winter clothing. If you have them finished and have not sent them I would prefer that you should send them by, please, W. H. Hilbert, as he will be due here by the middle of October, and I know that he will bring them safe. The box of provisions sent us have not arrived and I believe will never. But I will need clothing this winter and I want them sent so they will be sure to reach me. Remember me to all the neighbors and give them all my respects. My love to each member of the family, Mag and Mary [B. Wright], my respects to the Fulton family. I wrote to Alf [S. Fulton, Confederate Soldier From 8th Tennessee Infantry, Company B., Colored ] several days and have received no reply. I suppose he never received the letter. From what I can learn for the last three weeks his Regiment has seen much trouble from fighting and nothing to eat. I pity them for marching and eating nothing is rather a hard road to travel. Nothing more at present.
Alf has good health and sends love to all his folks, respects to all the darkies, and wishes to be remembered to you all. S1 [edit] Letter To His BrotherFrom Felix Grundy Buchanan Born 1838, Died 1907 Emory, Virginia - January 14, 1857 Dear Brother, Your letter of the 4th instant* arrived in due time. The Fall session of this college came to a close yesterday, so I have nothing to do in the way of studying until Monday. The annual exhibition of the Calliopean and Hermeisan societies came off today, and within you will find a schedule containing the names of the orators, [and] the subject upon which they spoke. And I have written above each name the society to which he belongs. I myself am a Calliopean and of course have some preferences in favor of that society. But the Calliopeans surely licked it to the Hermeisans badly. My examinations came off last week. I did tolerably well on all my studies, was not thrown on any of them. I think I have given you all the College news in minute detail as far as I am able. But perhaps you would like to know how the boys here are enjoying themselves during this week. The most of them are on the side of the mountain with sleds riding down on the snow. I have been enjoying it for the last two days but have retired from the sport with several bruised limbs - but nothing serious. It would do you good to see the boys start down on their sleds. Frequently they are thrown off, but in spite of fate, to the base of the mountain they will go. You spoke of building a rock fence along the creek, it seems to me it would be of much benefit to the farm if you succeed. I have but little doubt but that it will more than pay you for your trouble. You said something in your letter of the manner in which you spent your Christmas; and from the glowing descriptions, one would imagine that you had a very pleasant time. Nothing more than usual happened at this place during Christmassave several boys being sent off for being caught in a “weaving way”. But as to myself I can say that I never tasted a drop. It is not the thing to mettle with. The mail will soon close and I will close, but there is one question I want to ask. That is has James Clark brought his wife home or not? If he has I presume you have become acquainted with her. If so in your next letter I want you tell me what kind of creature she is. Tell Margaret to write to me. I have received but one letter from her yet. And tell Mother [Bethia Lyne White Buchanan] I will write to her soon. Answer this as soon as possible. My love to all the family.
*Instant – Present or current month. [edit] Letter To Bethia Lyne White BuchananBorn 1794, Died 1883 September 16, 1856 From Her Son Felix Grundy Buchanan Born 1838, Died 1907 Emory and Henry College, Washington County, Virginia Dear Mother, I have been looking for a letter from you or Father [Andrew Buchanan] for the last two weeks. I do not expect you to write but you might make some of the family write. I know that that would be hard to do but I believe you could make Father write. If you knew what a source of pleasure it is to me to receive a letter from home, you would get someone to write. I want you to get Father to write, for you and himself both, for I want to get a letter from him. I will flatter myself so much as to say that I am trying to act honestly, and have done nothing that I would consider dishonest or mean. When I came here I thought that I would conduct myself in such a manner that I would not get any marks; but I have already received one and that was for being out of my room once during study hours. I was not out a minute, but could give no excuse for being out at all. I am studying harder than I ever did in my life. I reckon you think I could do that and then not study hard. I received a letter from Matt [Matthew Buchanan] last week, I had just written to him a few days before. He wrote that the flux* was prevailing in Lincoln [County in Tennessee] and it was more fatal than usual. He said that almost all of Mr. Calloway’s family were afflicted with it, and that George and Polk were beyond the hope of recovery. I want you to get someone to write, for I want to know their destiny. For if I am anxious in the welfare of any person, it is the Calloway family. I do not know of but one family that esteem more than that one. Matt also wrote that Margaret had taken a visit to Warren [County in Tennessee]. I am in hopes that she will have a pleasant trip. I want her to write to me immediately after she returns, and tell me what a pleasant trip she had and all about our relations there. But if she wants to see her relations, she ought to come to Virginia and she would have a fair chance to see a few. And she might travel over the World and she would not see anybody as glad to see her as they are here. When I first met with any of my relations in Abingdon, [Virginia] the day after I left Will, I thought they were the kindest people I had ever seen. But one reason was that I did not know any person here. I was a perfect stranger in these diggings. Of all the unpleasant nights I ever spent, the one Will left me in Abingdon - very little I slept that night, I assure you. September 17th – Since writing the above, I received a letter from Father. And it afforded me more pleasure than anything has. It announced to me the sad news of the death of Polk and George Calloway, but did not say anything about the rest of the family that were sick. But I would judge from that, that they were not dangerous. Father requests me write to him and let him know about all my studies and everything in general concerning myself. And to tell him the truth without exaggerating at all. I will write in a few days and give him my history since I have been here and as near as I am able to do. I have just received a letter from Andy Rhea, he is the first boy from Lincoln to write and I have written several there, but have not written to him. I will answer his letter tonight. Mother, I wish you would persuade Father to send me the Lincoln Journal, for then I could hear from Lincoln every week. I want you to send me every good speech you get from now until the election. One of my roommates is very sick. He has the flux, but I have never enjoyed better health in my life and I have fattened nine pounds since I have arrived here. Make some of them write for you. Tell Laura that I would as soon get the socks now as any time in the world. She may send them any time. I am ready. My love to you all.
*Flux – Diarrhea. [edit] Letter To Bethia Lyne White BuchananBorn 1794, Died 1883 Lincoln County, Tennessee - March 25, 1857 From Her Son Felix Grundy Buchanan Born 1838, Died 1907 Emory and Henry College, Washington County, Virginia Dear Mother, On last Saturday I had the pleasure of perusing two letters - one from you, in which I found the beautiful little sum of $5.00. One from Father [Andrew Buchanan] enclosed in which I found $50.00. I thank you very kindly for the present, and also for the letter. For I know you had to do some scolding before you could get any of them to write for you. After considering the trouble you must have witnessed in begging and coaxing them to write, the reception of your letter afforded me more pleasure than any letter I have received since my arrival at Emory & Henry College. As I received your letter and Father’s on the same day I was at a loss as to whom I should write back this letter; but as yours was written a day sooner than his, and for reasons above stated, I thought it my duty to answer yours first. But I will answer both at once, so you may consider it as a partnership letter. I will give you what little news I have on hand, and then close. I have nothing that could be called news, but perhaps I know something about our relations in this county that you would like to hear. I saw George Graham last Sunday. He said all of their family were well. George is a son of Uncle Graham living with his father. Ben Buchanan is not in good health. He is still at the salt works. Hay Buchanan lives now in two miles of the college. His family are all well. James Buchanan is keeping store about three miles from here. His store is at the Glade Spring Depot [Virginia] on the VA & T. R.R. [Virginia and Tennessee Railroad]. He is living in the house with his father-in law, Colonel Edmondson. James's wife is one of the best women I ever saw; and she sends me something good to eat every week - and you know I love to eat as well as any person, especially if it is sweet, which is the kind she sends me. I have told you all I know about our relations, which is all the news I have. But before I close, I have a few more words to add. In your letter you said that Bob Fulton had written to me several times but he said the letters were such that he did not mail them. You may tell him that I don’t see a reason why he should care what kind of letter he writes me. For I know how he writes for I have seen him write many compositions, and I know that he can write a very good letter when he tries. But he need not try when he writes to me, for anything will do me so it is a letter. “Laura has finished one sock but lost it”. Tell her that if she does not knit those socks I will never catch old Tom for her any more. I am getting along well in all respects. Let me hear from some of you soon; but if Margaret [Buchanan McDaniel] writes first, tell her not to rake me down in her letter for not writing oftener. It don’t seem well for one who delays writing as long as she does to complain of any one not writing oftener. I am very respectfully.
[edit] Letter To Andrew BuchananBorn 1783, Died 1868 February 16, 1862 From His Son Felix Grundy Buchanan Born 1838, Died 1907 Cock Pit Point - Batteries near Dumfries, Virginia Dear Father, Your kind favor of the 3rd instant* has just reached me and I now hasten to reply. This has been a cold, snowy day - very disagreeable weather to the soldiers. Yet in our snug cabins with good fire we spend such days very pleasantly. And time rolls off amazingly fast. But I fear such is not the case with all the soldiers for it is impossible for those troops that have been moving about to have houses to live in. I hope such weather may not continue long. I am tired of so much snow and rain and their natural consequences, bad roads. I think in after years, I can rightly appreciate fair weather and good roads. We have no war news here of interest, that is in this Division and of course you know more about other divisions than myself. I have no idea that there will be an engagement on the Potomac [River in Virginia] till Spring has fairly set in; for it is impossible to move artillery, provisions and camp equipage over the road. And I am of the opinion that if there is ever a fight on the Potomac, we will make the attack - for I think [Union] General [George Brinton] McClellan is rather inclined to fear [Confederate] General [Joseph Eggleston] Johnston and will never attack him unless compelled by public opinion of the North. And so far he has not been given much of that but has managed affairs according to his own way of thinking. He is undoubtedly a wise man and a great military chieftain, but he better be careful how he deals with General Joe Johnston - for in him he will find a man more than his equal. As soon as the weather will permit in the Spring I expect our forces to win some glorious victories; for efforts in Kentucky, it seems to me, have assumed a more favorable aspect. I have never entertained any fears concerning the Armies of Missouri and the Potomac. That wild goose chase the Yankees took towards Florence, Alabama will lead them into one of [Confederate President Jefferson] (Jeff) Davis’ traps if they are not very careful. Perhaps you think I am writing concerning something that I know but little about. Well that is very true, yet I must have my something to fill up with which thoughts may not be very interesting. News in Cock Pit is very scarce. I know of none that would be interesting to you. The Yankees still seem to be rather scared of our Battery. They seldom even pass with boats of any size. But, occasionally we have the pleasure of knocking holes in to some of their light craft such as schooners and small war tugs. The health of the Company, but very little sickness, none of a serious nature. My health is very good. Give my love to all the family,Mag [Margaret Buchanan McDaniel] and Mary [B. Wright] inclusive. My best respects to all friends. I will write as soon as anything of interest transpires.
* Instant – Present or current month. [edit] Letter To Bethia Lyne White BuchananBorn 1794, Died 1883 February 7, 1862 From Her Son Felix Grundy Buchanan Born 1838, Died 1907 Cock Pit Point – Batteries near Dumfries, Virginia Dear Mother, Knowing that you are anxious to hear from me at all times, I am unwilling to let an opportunity of sending you a letter pass without availing myself of it. In a few days, that is the first chance, two of our Company (G. T. Price and W. H. Webb) expect to leave us for home, they being discharged on account of their feeble health. Webb’s disability was caused by him accidentally falling into one of the gun pits, fracturing two of his __________. [G. T.] Price [Confederate Soldier From Tennessee Light Artillery, Huggins Company] has been affected with the yellow bilious gangrene for some time which from much experience of late has settled in his lungs to such an extent that I think it extremely doubtful whether he will ever again will be blessed with good health. Such weather as we have had for the last three weeks it has never been my misfortune to experience before; and if it pleases the _________I will be contented in that sense if I never experience such weather again. You are very old and of course have seen much in your life, yet I have no idea that you ever saw roads half as bad as they are in this country, a country very similar to Pea Ridge [Alabama]. Now I know you think you have seen much worse than it is possible for such roads to become; but just think of the amount of hauling done on those roads, the provisions for an Army, both man and horses are conveyed over these roads. Take into consideration the rain that has fallen of late, besides two tolerable rains entirely suited and you can gain from them but a poor idea of the true condition of the roads. I am Acting Commissary and Quartermaster of the post, and a hard berth it is sure. There is at the least at this time about 850 men, in five days (which is the number I draw for at one time), they will consume nearly 1800 pounds of flour, 1700 pounds of beef, 300 pounds of bacon, and whatever sugar, coffee, salt and soap can be furnished them. I have to have these things together with horse feed, 1,600 pounds corn and 2,000 bushels hay, when there is any on hand, which is seldom, from the quartermaster and commissary of the third Brigade, about seven miles from here. I started from here after the above supplies for the men only last Monday morning with four wagons, some six and some four mule teams. After being on the road four days, I have landed safe at Cock Pit with the exception of one wagon which is - as the boys say - gone in for the war in a mud hole about two miles from here. You doubtless think four days a long time to travel fourteen miles, but I flatter myself to think we done amazingly well to get the provisions here at all. If the roads continue in their present state, we will be obliged to pack the provision on the back of the mules. With regard to news, Cock Pit is very dull. No excitement of any kind, save the occasional fire of our cannons at some small Yankee craft floating on the Potomac [River in Virginia], for large vessels do not pass to face our guns, unless obscured by the fog and darkness. How I wish little Maryland had passed the Ordinance of Secession last Spring when she had the chance. I believe now she wishes she had. Then we would now have possession of both banks of the Potomac and no Yankee boat would dare touch her waters. As it is, though, we can not completely blockade the river, yet we have the consolation of knowing that we can vex them a little. The health of the Company is very good. I enjoy excellent health myself. Give my respects to all friends. R. E. Buchanan and lady, [and] the Fultons. Since writing the above, Father’s [Andrew Buchanan] letter of 23 instant* was handed me. I ceased writing and devoured its contents, was very glad to hear the true state [Confederate] Colonel [Coleman Adams] McDaniel’s health – for I had heard different recounts, some of which caused [me] to be a little uneasy. Father neglected to say who the boy (Mag) favored and what she intended naming it. he he. The light being dim I discern that I have missed the lines, no difference if you can read it. I must close as I wish to write to Matt and I have nothing more of interest to write. Give my love to all the family, Mag [Margaret Buchanan McDaniel] and Mary [B. Wright] inclusive. I was a little surprised to hear that Bob Fulton had joined an artillery company. If I knew how to direct a letter I would write to him. I have a pipe made from ivy root presented to me by W. W. Bryant, the maker a member of the Company which I wish to send to you if the boys will take. Write as often as possible.
* Instant – Present or current month. [edit] Letter To Bethia Lyne White BuchananBorn 1794, Died 1883 From Her Son Felix Grundy Buchanan Born 1838, Died 1907 Camp Fisher near Dumfries, Virginia - March 6, 1862 Dear Mother, A few days since I wrote to Will Wright, but was in the midst of such confusion, and was compelled to write so hurriedly that I have had serious doubts whether good sense could be made out of the letter. But as Captain Arledge starts for Winchester [Virginia] in the morning, I have determined to send you a few lines by him. There is no news here that would be in the least interesting in these exciting times. Something is going to be done here before long, but what it is we common chaps are not permitted to know, and it is right that it should be so, would to God that the movements of our Army could be kept more secret than what they are. The general opinion is that [Confederate Full] General [Joseph Eggleston] Johnston is devising some plan to bring on an attack, but this is mere conjecture. If the two armies of the Potomac do meet and have a general engagement, it surely will be a bloody affair. I sincerely hope that we may be attacked, for I have no fears whatever of the results; and if we can whip and demoralize the Army around Washington, then they will be compelled to recall their forces. The South and the prospects for the independence of the Confederate States will begin to brighten. But at this time our prospects are gloomy, not a mail cart comes but brings some disparaging news. At every point our armies meet with disaster. I do not wish to find fault with anyone, but it does seem to me that something is wrong somewhere, our weak points have not been sufficiently fortified. It seems to me, that the Army now devastating my own native state, even polluting its Capitol [Nashville, Tennessee]*, with the proper management might have been met and repulsed, would that we could have a Joseph E. Johnston, a [Confederate Major General Sterling “Old Pap”] Price or a [Confederate Full General Pierre Gustave Toutant] Beauregard at the head of every Confederate Army. Perhaps other generals are as wise, as energetic, and as true as these, and the best was done, that could have been done under the circumstances. Be that as it may, it does no good to grumble, and it may do some harm. Although a dark cloud of trouble has settled over the Sunny South, yet the last ray of hope is not extinct, and I will continue to hope though the enemy should take all our cities, fill every stream with their fleets. Such was the case in 76 yet victory finally perched upon our arms. If I am ever placed in such a condition that I lose all hope of us being able to sustain our independence, and see no way left but to submit to the rule of our enemies, and by a people professing to have a republican form of government, then will life lose all its charms to me, and be that would deprive me of it, my best friend. But I have no fears about the final results. I have said above that I do not like to grumble, yet there are those at home, in the State of Tennessee that ought to be in the service. Yes, I know several able- bodied men, and unmarried now at their homes laying up treasures which moth and rust doth corrupt, relying upon the strong arms of others to establish a nation whose laws are to protect their person and property, such persons ought not to flourish. But this is not interesting to you, but about as much so as anything I can gather up. The health of the Regiment is very good, I know of no sickness of any consequence. I believe all of our company present are well and are reported for duty. A few days since, an order was issued that the surgeon of each Regiment should report all the men not able to make a march, and on his (the surgeon’s) certificate would be granted to such men. There were quite a number of applicants, and I believe that some got furloughs that were no more entitled to them than I am, and I never was blessed with better health. Only three in our Company applied and obtained them, two were discharged, one furloughed, Cavenaugh and Satterfield discharged, thelatter too sick to leave, Matthews furloughed. My kindest regards to all friends. My love to all the Family.
* - On February 24, 1862 troops from Union Major General Don Carlos Buell's command occupied Nashville, driving Nathan Forrest's Confederate Cavalry aside to do so. [edit] To Felix Grundy BuchananBorn 1838 – Died 1907 Letter from J. J. McClellan, (City Secretary) Mayor’s Office, Corsicana, Texas - September 16, 1883 My Dear Major, Yours and Cousin Kate’s [Catherine McClellan] letters are just tohand, both of which I was very proud to get. And as yours is a matter of business, will reply to it first. I suppose Cousin Will’s and Colonel [Coleman Adams] McDaniel’s agent in Clay and Jack Counties [Texas] is not a lawyer. Article 1645 of our Revised Statutes under the head of Descent and Distribution reads as follows: “Where any person having title to any state of inheritance, real, personal, or mixed, shall die intestate* as to such a state, and shall leave no surviving husband or wife, it shall descend and pass in parcenary** to his kindred, male and female in the following course, that is to say: 1st – To his children or his descendants. 2nd – If there be no children nor their descendants, then to his father and mother, in equal portions. But if only the father or mother survive the intestate, then his estate shall be divided into two equal portions, one of which shall pass to such survivor, and the other half shall pass to the brothers and sisters of the deceased and to their descendants; but if there be none such, then the whole estate shall be inherited by the surviving father or mother.” That is an exact copy of the statute and it is entirely too plain to require construction, for in fact it will not admit of but one construction. Father and mother always inherit equal portions in the case you put: And in cases where only one parent survives, such parent can only inherit and take all the deceased son’s estate, when the deceased have no brothers and sisters. There is not the slightest question about the law, Major, and if I can be of any assistance in writing to that agent in Clay and Jack Counties, or to a lawyer there to set him straight, command me. I think I may be out to Tennessee sometime during the coming Fall, if so will see you. My sincerest love to Cousin Kate and the babies. Will write to Cousin Kate later.
* Intestate - One who dies without a Will.
** Parcenary – (coparcenary) Joint ownership, coheirs.
[edit] Letter to Andrew BuchananBorn 1783 - Died 1868 March 13, 1863 From Felix Grundy Buchanan Born 1838 - Died 1907 His Son 1st Tennessee Regiment Dear Father, My object in writing you a letter at this time, is not to convey any important news, but because I consider it my duty to write to you as often as possible; and besides I imagine you like to receive occasional letters from me, though they should contain no interesting news. Nothing of importance here in the Army has transpired since I last wrote you. The two Armies are still facing each other on opposite sides of the Rappahannock [River in Virginia]. As Spring is now here, and fair prospects of good weather, the roads will soon dry off and if [Union Major General Joseph “Fighting Joe”] Hooker wishes to fight he will have the opportunity. I am of the opinion we will have a fight here, though others equally as wise think different; but none of us know. I have just returned from the city of Richmond [Virginia], where I have been on a five (5) days leave of absence. During my short stay there, I saw or heard nothing very wonderful. While there I visited the Confederate State Congress, where I had the pleasure of seeing most of our great statesman, and heard short speeches from a few of them. Our Congress is composed for the most part of fine, intelligent looking men, but that is all I can say in their behalf. As I am not a good judge of such things, consequently ought not to grumble, but I must say that I do not think that that body reflects much honor upon our Government. Do not understand me as including all in the above remarks; for I believe there are a few of them, and among them our representatives, [that] have the interest of the Confederacy at heart, and [are] doing all in their power for her good; but this crowd is too small to effect much, and I am only sorry that they should be caught in such company. But as the Army has to establish the independence of the Confederacy, it matters not much, what kind of Congress we have until that is accomplished; and the only pity is, that our present Congress can not be conscripted. While I was in Richmond, I was introduced to a Mr. Gilbert Fulton, Brother of Colonel Fulton. Mr. G. Fulton lives near Staunton [Virginia] in the Valley, and at present is a member of the State Legislature. He is a fine looking gentleman, with a slight resemblance of the old Colonel, though not as fine looking. He was very kind to me, insisted on me coming to see him if the Army ever moved into the Valley again. My health is good. Give my love to all the Family. Let me hear from you as often as possible.
[edit] Letter to Matthew BuchananDied 1862 From His Brother, Felix Grundy Buchanan Born 1838 - Died 1907 Camp Fisher, Near Dumphries, Virginia November 16, 1861 Dear Matt It was my intention to have written to you sometime since, but having no convenient way of mailing a letter. I have postponed until now, having an opportunity of sending one by hand. The weather is tolerable cool here. So much so that I find it difficult to write without a fire, and such we can not have in a tent. Winter seems to have begun in earnest, and I feel we will have a bitter pill before April rolls round. Yet, the 1st Tennessee Regiment willendure all as cheerfully as any set of men in the service. It seems that the knowing ones are expecting a fight here soon. General Whiting evidently thinks so from an order read to us this morning. The order was that he, General Whiting, thought that we would be engaged with about 3,000 of the enemy before forty eight hours, and without a doubt within three days. Such was the language of our General, though we have been deceived so often that we are inclined to doubt it. The bearer of this letter will take to his relatives the body of Mr. Cashion, who died this evening. He had the measles which settled on his lungs. He had been with us but for a short time, only about four weeks. The recruits that had had the measles at home, have all got them, some light, others suffer much. Outside of the recruits, the health of the Regiment is very good, a few cases of fever of a bilious nature. It is too cool to write, so I will close, but will write a long letter before long. Write as often as you can. My love to the family. Believe nothing concerning a fight until you hear directly from us.
[edit] Letter to WillLetter From Felix Grundy Buchanan Born 1838 - Died 1907 Cock Pit Battery, Near Dumphries, Virginia January 28th, 1862 Dear Will I have never been so anxious to hear from home and have been for the last week or two but I have not had the pleasure of receiving one word from that direction in the last month. But what of that? Who there is going to trouble themselves to write to a chap such as myself. There is one glorious consolation, that I have it in my power to pesterthem by making them read letters from me. And I know of no more suitable [person] upon whom I can afflict that punishment than yourself. Now perhaps you may call me Grumbler but the truth of the matter is that in these hard times one has to have news of something to fill up a letter. For one might search Cock Pit over and not find enough news to fill up a page, such paper as this. We had a transaction or rather an accident on the point today. A recital of which may be interesting to you. This morning the gun (94 rifle) commanded by Lieutenant G. T. Wilson was bursted into pieces, but I am pleased to inform you that miraculously no one was hurt, and for my life I can not see how the crew of 13 escaped without someone being killed. The gun was considered the best and safest one on the point and at the time she had only her usual charge – seven pounds of powder and four pieces steel. Last night Wilson fired her several times at some tugs that attempted to run the blockade and there being a heavy fog on the river they succeeded in passing. I suppose she must have been impaired by that firing though nothing of the kind was perceptible or even suspicion by anyone. She bursted the first fire this morning which was at a small schooner going down. [Confederate Brigadier] General [William Henry Chase]Whiting and Captain Frebel said this evening he would have another gun here in a few days to supply the place of that one. I see it stated in the papers that generally we have the Potomac completely blockaded, now this is not strictly true and never can be, as long as held only near shore. For on dark nights it is impossible even to see large vessels a mile off and the river is over a mile wide anywhere below Washington City. Even in daylight it is very seldom a small boat near the other shore sailing under a good breeze is struck. But they are very cautious how they pass even in the night and vessels of any size never pass in daylight. I am anxious for two or three large size boats to attack our battery for I am confident they could not hurt us and I do not think it would take many rounds for us to sink them. But I have no hopes of them ever attacking us, though we will have some fun shooting at the small craft that passes, and they seem to be much in love with Maryland shore, judging from the way they hug it. Do you ever hear from Colonel Daniel’s Regiment? Some of the boys have seen letters from them stating that the Colonel is very sick. I am anxious to hear concerning him. Hope I will receive a letter from someone in a few days. The health of our Company is very good. No sickness at all. My own health is excellent at this time. I have a slight cold, but have had many a worse one at times. Give my love to all the family. Remember me in pretty words to the children. (How many is there now?) Speak in language not to be written to all the girls for me. (Do pray.) Jack Swin sends regards to you and family. Shook says he is all right on the horse. Atkins sends compliments and other messages, but I have burned my share, snuffing the candle, and must close.
[edit] Letter to Andrew BuchananBorn 1783 - Died 1868 From His Son Felix Grundy Buchanan 1st Tennessee March 3, 1863 Dear Father I received a letter from you a few days since, containing the satisfying news that the family were all well. Before proceeding with the news, I must make a short apology for so long a delay in writing to some of you. I have been tolerably busy for the last two or three weeks, butnot so busy that I could not spare the time to write a letter, but besides I had nothing that would have interested you, and even after this long of a delay, I am not well supplied with interesting matters. I know of nothing very interesting has transpired since I last wrote you. Theenemy, with the exception of a portion of [Confederate Lieutenant General James] Longstreet’s Corps are still in camps. How much of Longstreet’s Corps has moved or where it has gone, I cannot say for certain, though I understand that a part of it is now encamped below Richmond, on the south side of the James River. It seems that[Confederate Full] General [Robert E.] Lee is not entirely convinced that the enemy will not give battle here, so we send out large details each day on fatigue* to dig entrenchments. This is naturally a strong position and with our artificial work it seems to me that it will cost the enemy more than it will be worth to them to drive us from our present lines so I do not believe they will drive us from our present position. As far as the weather is, the last few days has been such that it will determine whether [Union Major General] Joseph Hooker will again fight us on the banks of the Rappahannock [River in Virginia] or change his __________. We have delightful weather now, more suitable weather for pleasure and _______ than fighting and it will be mighty agreeable with me to spend it that way. Colonel George arrived in camp two or three days since. His command is not entirely well, therefore they are unwell for duty. He desires to be kindly rememberedo you and mother. I received a letter from Coleman and Mag this evening. They will hear from me soon, but I could postpone a reply for a month and then just claim to be as punctual as they are. Give my love to all the family. My health is good.
Alf* desires to say to the darkies that he is well and sends respects to them all. Says to tell Jim and Ant that they better marry, too.
* The Roster of Confederate Soldiers says “ Alf S. Fulton, 8th Tennessee Infantry, Company B, Colored. References
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