Camp Magruder, Va
July 26, 1861
 
Dear Sister,
 
This leaves me enjoying fair health. We are in camp 4 miles below Williamsburg on James River. We have a beautiful location. A nice June grove to place our tents in and a large open place to drill in and as pretty a spring and as good water as you ever saw. We are all well pleased with our encampment but afraid we will not remain long at this place as we have been running from one place to another ever since we have been in Virginia. General McGruder says the La boys and especially this regiment are so good to march. He intends to keep us for reinforcements which I was very sorry here for I am getting anxious to be stationed at some particular point until our time expires. Unless he will send us to Manassas Junction where the battle was fought on the 21st last which you will hear of before this arrives. It was a glorious day for our boys as we gained such a victory. I would give anything in the world to have been in it. The Jackson Gray’s did not get in the battle. They were in Richmond during the battle. They left Richmond on Monday after the battle which was fought on Sunday. Captain Watkins and Kahn was in Richmond and saw the Jackson Grey’s in camp there. Said the boys complained a good deal about the hardships which they had to undergo which is nothing compared to what we have undergone. They have done no trenching nor ____________ , no bust marks, neither have they made any hard marches or anything else except drilling, which I find to be the lightest part of a soldier’s duty. We have just hear that a part of our regiment and other forces around numbering 5,000---- took Newport News last night and several prisoners. I can not say how true is is as the report has just come in camp.
 
Lizzie, expect you think I aught to post you news more about the battle and news generally than I do but we have the poorest chance of hearing or reading of anybody for it is frequently we are moving from one point to another and never get a newspaper for a week. The only news I can give you but what you heard before my letters reaches is such news as we have in the camp which would not be interesting to you.
 
Tell Coby I have just read his letter and will answer it in a few days. My advice would be to him to remain with Father until the end of the year as winter is approaching and hostilities will be partly suspended and as he is not ____ in camp life, it would go pretty hard with him especially this far North. Nothing more at present. I remain you sincere Bro
 
WW Posey