To Lieutenant Frederick Fleet, 26th Virginia

Richmond, Virginia

 

 

Cousin Fred,

 

I trust that this letter finds you and your family well. Your brother Bennie has been rather active this winter in writing and keeping us informed of his improving skills at hunting squirrels. For a fifteen year old he has quite a penchant for correspondence. He has made it quite clear that he hopes to join you with the 26th Virginia when he comes of age.

 

Bennie ought not be dissatisfied that he cannot go into the service. It is not his fault that he is not old enough to fight, and if all boys of his age were to neglect their education and join the army, it would be disastrous to our next generation. His time will come soon enough, although I am certain that your Ma and Pa would be glad, as so many of us would be, of a quick end to this conflict in favor of our cause.

 

This weekend past the 44th Georgia dusted the cobwebs off of their uniforms and brogans and participated in some welcome drilling at the Red Mill. Although I was there in spirit my body was elsewhere attending the marriage of my eldest son James to his fiance Jennifer, daughter to a Yankee, albeit a tolerable one.  

 

The affair was quite grand, taking place at the Carriage House in the Township of Galloway. James’s brother Thomas was Best Man (questionable), while his brother Robert and sisters Kathryn Rose, Kristin Elizabeth and Julie Christine participated as bride’s maids. The reception was most memorable, with Robert stealing the show with his flamboyance and energy on the dance floor that would have rivaled JEB Stuart at a ball. The band was quite enjoyable despite the absence of “Dixie” or the Bonnie Blue Flag amongst their dulcem melodies.

 

The fare was extensive and we dined on scallops, flounder and roast beef courtesy of our Northern hosts. I can assure you that there was no shortage of Southern Comfort at our table.

 

Betty has put in a sizable crop of all of sorts this year and has had a large hog butchered for bacon, chops and ham steaks, and we feel that it is the imperative duty of everyone to cultivate as much as possible, as we are in much more danger of scarcity of food than we are of danger from our enemy.

 

What a difference in our army now and this time last year. It seems obvious that our men are in good spirits, having been granted victories in Manassas and Fredericksburg. They are in good spirits, more disciplined, more organized, and capable of enduring the rigors of camp life with a full and unbounded admiration for, and confidence in, their Leaders and the Justice of our Cause. All of this conduces us to think, with the smile of Providence, success will attend our efforts this year.

 

From the present indications, there will likely be a forward movement of the Yankee army about Fredericksburg soon and there are frequent rumors that the 5th Brigade and the 44th Georgia shall be moved off. I will be joining the troop within the next week or so by the banks near Neshaminy, and have begun making preparations to do so.

 

The upcoming campaign promises to be a rewarding one. It will do this heart good to once again share a campfire adorned by the banners of the 44th Georgia and the Stars and Bars of our fledgling Country.

 

Respectfully submitted, For the Cause, I remain

 

Yours truly, Corp. James Marshall