Harpers Ferry

May 7^th 1861

 

            Dear Henry

                                    You esteemed favor just to hand. I do not think it prudent for one herein to give you any of our doings. Suffice to say that we are fortifying these hills against invasion. What will be the result of the 1^st Battle none can tell, but moved up by the holiness of our cause our men will make a fight worthy of the south & Virginia.

 

            I fear you are all under the heel of the Despot but time will bring friends to your sides, and give you a chance to strike.

 

            I wrote Clifford yesterday to store my furniture &c but will now ask you to / direct him in reference to it, feeling assured you can advise better than I can.

 

            I also wrote him to send me $200 if possible. I have no money and wish to place my wife and children in a place of safety. As for myself I have given myself to the cause of my country and will only ask release when victory crowns our efforts.

 

            In future direct to me here omitting military references.

 

            Cant you come up in the evening train and spend the night, or come on morning train arriving here at 9 and leaving at 11 o'clock 

 

I cannot leave my post for an hour. Have not been out of the chain of sentinels since my arrival nor seen my family for a single instant. There may be some little disaffection in Western Va cause by fear and the ceaseless bragging of the Northern Papers, but Va will confirm the ordnance of secession, and Jeff Davis will come in with an army 200,000 strong if he wants them, and then will come retribution for the indignities now heaped upon freemen.

 

Yours

R

 

[in another hand]

A.R.H. Ranson

Co.      , 2^nd Va. Vol. Inf.

 

[verso]

 

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