6th Virginia Cavalry

Item CON-9944

Description

Original Civil War Confederate letter. 3 pages, written in period ink.


Cavalry Camp
October 26th 1864

Dear Sister,

Today eight of my company started home on twenty-two days leave to procure fresh horses. This only leaves four of my company who have not been home this summer and fall. I hope to be able to get them off on furlough before very long if things remain quiet. But the Yankees have such a largely superior force of cavalry (in numbers) in this valley, that I expect we will be kept remarkably busy until cold winter spreads her mantel of snow over the field of strife and shuts us in (as it were) from the world without, and then, the rest, will only be such as the Tiger knows when cringing upon his haunches preparatory to abound upon his prey.

I begin to fear my chances to get home will be bad until late in winter. For there are only seven company officers in this regiment of ten companies. I am the senior company officer present and therefore have to command two companies and unless they make other officers or exchange some, my chance will be very bad.

We have had some severe reverses in this department lately. But our spirits are by no means depressed and we still look for a change of fortune here before winter sets in. but the weather is very cool, heavy frosts fall every night. But I am very well prepared. For I have captured me a splendid overcoat and as many blankets as I want.

I have nothing more to write this evening but will finish tomorrow or send this as it is.

All are well.

Your brother,

William D. Stone

Last night the bugles commenced sounding saddle up and we expected to move before day. But it was a false alarm and this morning things are quiet, except that we are enjoying the benefit of a copious morning shower. But I hope the sun will soon exert its power and dispel the weeping clouds which overhang us. We are preparing our breakfast of beef and bread. Quite rough, I assure you. But we can afford to live on it, in hope of better times.

We had quite the treat for dinner yesterday. A nice dish of bacon and cabbage. We have had plenty of sugar and coffee since the fight of the 19th. My sugar has given out but I have several pounds of coffee yet. But it is of no use to me without sugar.

No other news to write. Answer soon. Direct – 2nd Brigade, Lee’s Division.

William D. Stone