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to Annie [Jeffery]

Archer writes on a Sunday morning "when you are all at church listening to Dr. Minnigerade..." to remind Annie of her repeated promises that he'll "never see the form of [her] handwriting again this year...," and for this reason he is writing home...

GLC01896.066

to [Robert W. Jeffery]

Greatly relieved to have finally heard from Richard, Aaron Jeffery writes a battle account of the "fight of which you enquire" which he had been involved in "accidentally." The Armory Battalion, to which he was attached, initially pushed back Yankee...

GLC01896.067

to Aaron Jeffery

Seeking information about Grant's anticipated attack on Richmond, Richard is particularly interested in what his brother thinks might happen and in how local opinion is running. Jeffery expresses his hope that the attack will "...end as have all...

GLC01896.068

to Mary Epperly

Reports that some of the men from his unit joined the volunteers. Discusses the health of several members of his regiment. Closes by invoking God's protection for his wife.

GLC02715.001

to Mary Epperly

Writes he has not received any arms. Notes that some volunteers have been waiting seven months for their weapons. Says he will not join the volunteers yet. Includes an embossed seal in the upper left hand corner.

GLC02715.002

to Mary Epperly

Writes to his wife from Camp Windsor. He complains about not receiving any letters from home and about a sore throat. Discusses prayer and religion in camp.

GLC02715.003

to Mary Epperly

Writes from camp. Notes he still refuses to join the volunteers. States that he fears the army will put him in a company from another state if he does. Says he misses the mountains of Floyd County, Virgina and hates being in the valley. Informs...

GLC02715.004

to Mary Epperly

Writes from camp his appreciation of his wife's encouragement not to join the volunteers. He still is not sure if he wants to join them. Closes with discussion of prayer and a religious exhortation.

GLC02715.005

to Mary Epperly

Writes from camp that he believes his unit may be released if General [Joseph E.] Johnston's army defeats the Yankees at Yorktown, Virginia. Mentions the reported size of the forces now engaged at Yorktown.

GLC02715.006

to Mary Epperly

Writes from General [J.E.B.?] "Stewards" [Stuart's] encampment, five miles from Yorktown. Notes that his company is attached to General Stuart's Horse Artillery, under Captain Pelham. Says he thinks they may have to stay with this unit until the...

GLC02715.007

to Mary Epperly

Writes that they are five miles from Yorktown, Virginia and seven miles from Williamsburg, Virginia. Says his unit does not see close action like an infantry unit does. States he is unhappy with his regiment's assignment. Notes he would now give...

GLC02715.008

to Mary Epperly

Notes his unit has not received any tents and the men are using blankets that they brought from home. Says he hopes it is not too late to volunteer and join "Trigs Regiment."

GLC02715.009

to Mary Epperly

Describes the Battle of Williamsburg, Virginia.

GLC02715.010

to Mary Epperly

Discusses the damage the armies have done to the local farms, crops and livestock. Continues writing on 17 May 1862 that he ran out of money and borrowed some from a man who is going home. Tells Mary to feed the man as repayment.

GLC02715.011

to Mary Epperly

Says the Union has control of the James River all the way up to Richmond, Viriginia. Believes that the Yankees will take Richmond soon. Reminds his wife to pay back the man whom he borrowed money from and asks her to sell his watch.

GLC02715.012

to Mary Epperly

Writes that his unit is camped nine miles from Richmond, Virginia. Says he hopes to get a furlough and visit his wife at the end of June. However, Captain Pelham has been very hard on the regiment since one man deserted.

GLC02715.013

to Mary Epperly

Says he cannot get a furlough. States he wants Aunt Peggy to move in and nurse his wife who is pregnant (see GLC02715.031). Date taken from the content of the letter.

GLC02715.014

to Mary Epperly

Writes that his unit missed a recent battle (likely the Battle of Fair Oaks) because the muddy roads made it impossible to move the artillery. Believes the casualties are in the thousands. Says the wounded are being moved to Richmond, Virginia.

GLC02715.015

to: Mary Epperly

Describes himself as a cannoneer who helps to load the guns. Notes that three of their guns have been ordered away, probably to join General [Stonewall] Jackson. Mentions that men of a nearby infantry unit offered members of his regiment $50 to...

GLC02715.016

to Mary Epperly

Mentions his regiment has been paid. Notes he paid back the money he borrowed from a gentleman since the man never went home to collect the money from Mary. Says he will keep $15 for himself.

GLC02715.017

to Mary Epperly

Mentions the battles on 26 June (Battle of Mechanicsville) and 27 June (Battle of Gaine's Mills). Says he managed to miss the battles but mentions the fate of friends and relatives who did fight. The top quarter of the third page is missing causing...

GLC02715.018

to Mary Epperly

Says his legs are swollen. Reports that the Confederates drove the Yankees back to the Chicahominy River. Believes they fought five or six battles in the last eight to ten days. Says his unit still has not fought in a "regular battle." He...

GLC02715.019

to Mary Epperly

Reports that the Yankees are thirty miles from Richmond, Virginia and believes that they are reinforcing for another attack.

GLC02715.020

to Mary Epperly

Discusses the price of various food items.

GLC02715.021

to Mary Epperly

Requests Mary sends him butter and soap.

GLC02715.022