Winter Posey to his parents J. H. and Caroline Posey
30 Jul 1861 – Camp Magruder
Camp Magruder
July 30, 1861
Dear parents,
John Parker and Clark will leave here in the morning. They have got discharged
from the army owing the misfortunes, which has befallen them. Clark has his left
arm shot off (accidental which he did himself). Parker was discharged on account
of his knee being stiff which was caused by a stab in the top of his knee by a
fall.
As this is a good opportunity, I will write you a few lines knowing you will be
certain to get them: for I don’t believe you received a third of my letters
owing to the irregularity of the mail. This leaves me in fine health. The
Company is in better health at this time than it has been since we left New
Orleans, nearly all are able for duty except Bob Carnes who has the consumption.
Poor fellow, he will never recover. He is expected to die every day. We are in
camp 4 miles from Williamsburg at a beautiful place, fine water and a plenty of
wood.
My messmates are all in camp with me except Gus who is in hospital waiting on
the sick. I fear he will not be with me much more in camp, while we remain on
this peninsula, as the professor is so well pleased with him. We get on with
each other as brothers. We never have had the least hard feeling in our mess
since we have been together.
A part of our regiment has just returned on a trip from near Newport News. They
with the rest of the forces that were out on a scout, captured between 80 and
100 negroes from the Yankees. They got in sight of the enemy who were out on a
steeling expedition, but were not near enough to give them a fire. It is thought
that General Magruder will attack Newport News in a few days. If so, we will
have to do some pretty hard fighting: for it is strongly fortified with
breastworks and trenches and they also have the breastworks spiked, but if he
makes an attack, he will take it before he quits. We have been without a Colonel
for some time. Until a few days ago, I suppose you have heard our first Colonel
had resigned. Colonel Leavey is now colonel of this regiment. He is from
Louisiana, he left there as captain of a company and was promoted to colonel a
few days ago. I think he is the best colonel we have had.
Father, you will please in your next letter write of what has become of your
cotton that was shipped. Whether you received returns from it or not. Mr. Newton
arrived here day before yesterday. He brings ___ news from Jackson in regard to
crops. He said he will remain with me until we have a fight. Sergeant Findly
sends his respects to you and requests you to send his family word by the first
opportunity that he is well and enjoying himself as well as could be expected
under the present circumstances. Nothing more at present. I remain your son,
W. W. Posey
