Camp Stokes Va. Sept. 3rd 1862
Dear Wife
I seat myself to write you a few lines to let you know where & how I am. We are stationed five miles north of Richmon on the Gordonville Road, very pretty here & good water. I am well & well sadisfied & I hope when these few lines come to hand may find you & all the family & friends enjoying the same blessing. I have seen a great many things since I left home & I can say I am well sadisfied with this country. We are not as close to the Yankees here as we was at Kinston but I expect we will go on to Jackson. He is giving the Yankees fits. He has got old Generel Poop coat & flag in the capital at Richmon but they did not get him. Jackson sent a good many prisaers to Richmon a few days ago & they expect a big battle at Manassees if the Yankees don’t run. There is a great many trope going on. The Georgia Cavelry past here today. They looks like they would make them get furder. I today that the Yankees was leaving Washington Citty & Jackson was in sight of the Citty. We have had a very good time since I have been in camp. I wrote you a few lines the other day for I did not know how we going & before I could finish it the male started so I made it short. I have seen some of Capt. Speers company that was taken prisoner. They say they was in New York. They say they had to work hard while they was there. Jack Melton is in the hospital sick. I did not see any of them that I was aquainted with but some of our company was. Tell Isace Logan that Soloman Phillips is in this Regt. & is well, he is Drummer. I have got acquanted with a great many persons since I have been here. I think I have got some good friends here so I think I far just as well here as any company I could have got in. Tell Isace Logan I want him to write to me soon & I want you to tell all my folks I would be glad to hear from them all. If M.B. Chafin comes to Richmon on any business I want him to come to the camp. I dont want him to come to the camp. I dont want any more clothes except a Wesctoat if the pants come. I must bring my letter so close. Write soon. Direct your letters Richmon 54th Regt. Company H in care of Capt Cockram
Your Husband untill Death
J.W. Armsworthy
Sources: Christopher Watford, ed. The Civil War in North Carolina: Soldiers’ and Civilians’ Letters and Diaries, 1861-1865, Volume 1. (Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland & Company, Inc., 2003). Original in a private collection.
