Camp “Troup Artillery Nov. 12^th 1863

                                                                                                near Gordonsville Virginia

 

My dear Sister

                        Yesterday I was the recipient of a truly interesting letter from you. To day I am replying wondering and imagining how little excitement can prevail when so many letters are to be written to those we love and they are ever exacting long ones, and writing lame apologies for winding up their notes. For instance (not flattering) after writing me a very interesting, or rather after beginning one, you close unceremoniously by saying “I know you are tired of such nonsense &c.”. I excuse you for such a pen as I am now holding would almost make a martyr cry out for mercy—and will not allow me to lecture you.

 

            I am pleased to hear that Fannie is in Athens and would be gratified to see her. Prevail on her to write me a friendly letter. I am anxious to read something scribbled by her fair hand. It becomes the duty of the fair sex to gratify the whims (perhaps) of the army of Northern Virginia in this especially—Presumption and Egotism. I have none, but so strange and undepending is this army that outsiders way down in Georgia would declare if such an / such an one is not Egotistical. I must confess I am no judge and as for presumption old Falstaff is not a circumstance. The idea of one of the Veterans of Gen. Lee’s Army being presumptious!! How presumptious? It is ridiculous apparently to all and I will not run the figure farther. But tell Fannie for her fast promises she, I should think, is at perfect liberty to break them and no one could be the wiser. Give her my love.

 

            We had a slight snow the other day and the weather was anything but agreeable. But nobody I believe regretted it. Our Army has fallen back to the old line on the Rapidan river and many seem to think that a fight is unavoidable. Lee though small will meet them and send them his respects in by cast iron couriers and will proudly wave his battle flag over his little ragged band. I have no fears of the result. Confederate troops can and will whip the “Yanks” in spite of their generals. I am not prepared to say anything concerning either party now. I notice Genl. Bragg is fixing to disgrace himself by falling back again. No more falling back for the “Army of Tennessee.” They have never done anything yet and every body is anxious to learn whether they can fight or not. I hope so. /

 

I have just received a letter from Arminius desiring my advice about his entering the Confederate Service. I think he would serve his country much better at home. I am unwilling for him to join this Company. Dinner is just about being placed down. A real royal dinner something extraordinary. What do you guess? No French dishes but a real old Georgia meal, cabbage and bacon with biscuit, corn bread would be luxurious—Tis over. I mean the dinner and by the by I must now think of John and [?] and bring this to a close. Today I received those things ma sent in that box and thank her kindly for me and tell her this letter will do for all. Everything came safe and God bless those at home” was the response of many a soldier boy. Let the time be short before I hear from you again. Give my love to all               Your affectionate brother            Calhoun

 

PS. Since writing this letter our company has moved to within two miles of Orange C H. We are expecting Mr Mead to do something. Excuse the dirt on this paper as I carried it in my pocket a day or so. If I had plenty of paper I would write another letter but be certain and overlook the dirt on it and I will excuse some small [?] of some of my correspondents.

Tell Ma I was highly pleased with everything.          Y

                                                                                                Calhoun.

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