12th Georgia Infantry - Killed at 2nd Manassas - NEW

Item CON-11981

Description

Confederate soldier's letter, 2 pages written in period ink.


Richmond, Virginia
 
June 27, 1861
 
Dear Parents,
 
I again seat myself, pen in hand, beside a camp chest to let you understand my situation and feelings. We were mustered into service yesterday and have moved our camp from 2 miles east of Richmond to 1 mile and a half west of Richmond, the last being the best camping ground. Our regiment is filled out and not a man was refused, and none backed out. And as yet, Davis has appointed no colonel.
 
We left home with the expectation of having [Zephania Turner] Connor for our colonel, but now we are not certain that the President will appoint Connor. He says that if he does not appoint him, that he will give us no man inferior to him. So, we are certain of receiving good regimental officers.
 
We are all in fine spirits and better pleased than ever, having nothing to do and everything to eat. We have good hams and shoulders, fresh beef, sea biscuits, meal, flour, sugar, coffee, and the tobacco chewers plenty of tobacco. The crops here are young, there being scarcely any corn above knee-high.
 
The war feeling is more pregnant in Georgia than it is in Virginia, and the Georgians are more excited concerning the war than the Virginians. We expect to remain here until we are well drilled. Therefore, write soon and direct your letters to James W. Carswell of the Marion Guards, Richmond, Virginia. If mailed otherwise, it may not reach its destination.
 
Your affectionate son, 
 
James W. Carswell