The box has finally been received and everything is so nice. My clothes fit beautifully. #civilwar150

Camp Gregg, Va.

May 18^th 1863

My dear Wife

The box has finally been received and everything is so nice.  My clothes fit beautifully. Without exaggeration the cake was the best I ever ate. Everyone who tasted it made the same remark. And tell Sis I am a thousand times obligated for the cravat. The buff cloth came the day after the box. I sent Ham some of the butter.

We have nothing in the world new, but all feel that something is brewing and that Gen. Lee is not going to wait all the time for them to come to him. They have finally admitted that they were terribly whipped, and if the truth was known I have no doubt that it was worse than we thought.

Honey, do as you please with your time this summer and enjoy yourself. You may go anywhere you please but to Nick Williams and that I cannot consent to. Honey, you must excuse this short not. I will make up for it tonight or tomorrow morning. My love to all and may God bless you and protect us.

Your loving husband

 

Source: William Hassler, ed., One of Lee’s Best Men: The Civil War Letters of General William Dorsey Pender (Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press, 1999).

 

 

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Rest assured that I value my life too highly to throw it away uselessly. #civilwar150

Camp Gregg, Va.,

May 14^th, 1863

 

My dear Wife

Your letter of the 10^th came today, and I was much gratified to hear that you continue so well and that Pamela has completely recovered. Honey, I do not laugh at you as much as you seem to think, and be assured that your appearance would have no influence in preventing me from writing for you to come. I am not accustomed to tease my wife in that condition. You should come on the first time it is safe. I was very much tempted to write for you as soon as I got back here, but the great uncertainty of our movements prevented.

My health darling is very excellent, and I take as good care of myself as possible. Rest assured that I value my life too highly to throw it away uselessly. Honey it looks little probably that I should outlive you to see your wishes carried out, but if such should be the case, no one could be mentioned who I should prefer to take charge of our children, but you know Pamela may be expected to marry some of these days, and some one else’s wishes would have to be consulted. Tell Pamela that I am surprised that she should prove so false to poor browbeaten little Turner. That now she has placed her affections upon Dorsey and desert Turner, I do not know what the dear will do, for you never though as much of him as of Dorsey. Poor little fellow, all seem to be deserting him.  I love him as dearly as a father ever did his child, not that I do not love Dorsey as I should for I think a great deal of him, and always think of them together and not Turner alone as you sometimes seem to think.

The Yankee papers are beginning to confess a great defeat, and some of them say it will be some long time before they can try it over. Do not believe all you see about the last words of Jackson, for some designing person is trying to injure Gen. Hill by saying that he frequently said that he wanted Ewell to have his Corps. After it became apparent that he would die, he was delirious most of if not all of the time. It is strange what a jealousy exists towards A.P. Hill and this Division, and for what cause I cannot see, unless it is because he and it have been so successful. I hope to stick to him for he sticks to me.

The next move will probably be here and on Richmond, from the White House simultaneously. The White House is on the Pamunkey just above its entrance in the bay that runs up by Yorktown.

I have sent for my box and will probably get it Saturday

[letter is incomplete]

 

 

Source: William Hassler, ed., One of Lee’s Best Men: The Civil War Letters of General William Dorsey Pender (Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press, 1999).

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I hear that Gen’l Jackson is thought to be in a very serious condition. He will be a great loss to the country #cw150

Camp Gregg, Va.,

May 9^th, 1863

My dearest Wife

I had promised myself to write you a long letter tonight but fear I shall not as my shoulder is a little stiff.  I have been a little under the weather yesterday and today, but feel better tongith since the medicine I took operated.

I hear that Gen’l Jackson is thought to be in a very serious condition. He has pneumonia contracted by wrapping himself in wet towels after he was wounded. He will be a great loss to the country and it is devoutly to be hoped that he may be spared to the country. Some think in his absence Stuart will be made Lt. General, but I hope not. Rhodes it is said has been promoted. The Yankee loss is much greater than I expected. We will probably get from the battlefields at least 25,000 muskets, 10,000 of which probably belonged to our men that were killed, wounded and straggled.

I got today 1 doz. white handkerchiefs brought from Baltimore. I was very sorry to hear that Pamela was sick. I hope she is better. I am so glad that your health is much improved. Honey, excuse this short letter. God bless you my dear wife… My love to all.

Your loving Husband

Source: William Hassler, ed., One of Lee’s Best Men: The Civil War Letters of General William Dorsey Pender (Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press, 1999).

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Pender’s Chancellorsville: I was hit … slight bruise by a spent ball which killed a fine young officer standing in front of me #cw150

Camp Gregg, Va.

May 7^th, 1863

My dear Wife

We are back again at the same old camp after eight memorable days. The enemy are all once ore on the other side of the river and may God grant that they may go still further. We have had a terrible time of it and surely I have enough to make one grateful to Almighty God for.

We had the most terrible battle of the war, not because they fought better but because they had such terrible odds and held such a strong position and so well fortified. Hooker thought he had us but Lee is too much for him, and while he was waiting for us in his front we fell upon his right flank and but for night coming we would have cut him to pieces Saturday night. Saturday night he had time to change front and fortify but to no purpose only to make it harder upon us. After five terrible hours commencing 5 AM Sunday, 3^rd, we drove him from his position. I was in the front line to start at them and went through to the last.  Fought my Brigade until the final repulse and then took command of other troops as they came up.

If not before, I won promotion last Sunday and if it can be done I think I shall get it. Our NC troops behaved most nobly. Ramseur covered himself and his Brigade with glory. My Brigade behaved magnificently and got cut up terribly. Six out of ten field officers were hit. Two are dead, Cole and Odell. Cols. Scales and McElroy, Lt. Col. Stowe and Maj. McLaughlin were wounded. Four out of the seven Generals of our Division were hit but none seriously. Hill, Heth, Pender, and McGowan. I was hit the next day while standing behind entrenchments in a miserable skirmish, but it is only a very slight bruise by a spent ball which killed a fine young officer standing in front of me. It is on the right arm near the shoulder.

We took over 6,000 prisoners and between 15 and 2 pieces of cannon and lots of small arms. I will write you more of the fight in my next letter for I am very tired and sleepy now. We only got to camp this afternoon. Gen. Hill is in command of the Corps and I of Archer’s, McGowan’s, Lane’s and my own Brigades. This last is temporary. Stuart commanded the Corps ion the Sunday fight, Gen. Hill being unable to ride horseback and right noble did Stuart do. He is now going after Stoneman’s cavalry. We may have some rest now, at least for a week or so. We had about 30,000 in the fight, and they not less than 65,000. This is Chancellorsville. Near Fredericksburg Sunday afternoon Gen. Lee had about 22,000 and Sedgwick about 30,000. You will have to read closely to understand for our Army had three or four fights, all of which were completely and wholly successful.

Our papers in Richmond made themselves disgustingly ridiculous. Honey, thank your Gracious Father for his great protection to me. My love to you all. I will write again tomorrow or next day. I saw Ham and Willie today. God bless you my dear.

Your loving Husband

 

Source: William Hassler, ed., One of Lee’s Best Men: The Civil War Letters of General William Dorsey Pender (Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press, 1999).

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How long do you expect to stay in Edgecombe? You had not better stay later than July for you might get chills and Fever. #cw150

Near Fredericksburg,

April 30^th 1863

My dearest Wife

Your letter of the 26^th came a few moments ago. You no doubt will have heard before you get this that they enemy have crossed here again. The impression prevails that we will not fight here for they commenced crossing night before last and have but few men on this side and seem by no means anxious to do anything. They have crossed the Rappahannock above and if you hear that we have fallen back you must not be uneasy for we are all right. We are concentrated and can fight where we please and whip them too. Some of their Regts. have gone out and others go day after tomorrow. After they crossed our men commenced to fire at them, when they asked us not to fire, that they did not want to hurt us and that as they had only three days to serve, they did not want to be hurt. Ham and Willie were to see me today. Do not feel alarmed as to the result of any battle we may have with Hooker. If we should fall back the fight will not come off for several days at least.

I am very glad that you are getting so well again. My box is in Richmond in the care of Sgt. Montgomery, so you may feel easy as to its getting to me. How long do you expect to stay in Edgecombe? You had not better stay later than the middle of the July for you might get chills and Fever.

My love to all and tell Pamela that I will write here after this affair blows over. Our people here are in fine spirits. God bless you my dear wife.

Your loving Husband.

 

Source: William Hassler, ed., One of Lee’s Best Men: The Civil War Letters of General William Dorsey Pender (Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press, 1999).

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I almost get beside myself sometimes, when I get to thinking about the way they treat our people in their lines #cw150

Camp Gregg, Va.,

April 28^th, 1863

My dear Wife

Your letter of the 24^th came yesterday. I hear from you very regularly and often now. I am so glad that you are improving and hope you will continue to do so. Do not fail to take a good deal of exercise, so you will get strong… We are feasting now on fish, and I wish so much that you all had some. Maj. Biscoe sent up yesterday about 600 lbs. and today brought about 2000 lbs. for the men. I hope now to give them fish every day unless the Yankees break up our fisheries. The Major brought me a rock fish today weighing 28 ½ lbs. besides shad, herring, and pork. How you all would enjoy them. Ham came to see me yesterday, on his way after fish for his Regt.

We have nothing new, and seem to be as far from a move as any time in the last few weeks; but as something must be done, it will commence after awhile. But for the monotony of camp life I should be content to remain here and if the war could be brought to a close by this inactivity I should much prefer it to the slightest skirmish. There is no doubt but that the 38 Yankee Regts. have determined to go home, but whether they let them or not is another questions, altho’ they have promised in a General Order published by Hooker. If they keep them it will be an element of weakness instead of strength. This spring will be our time to strike them and may we pay them for some of their devilish acts. I almost get beside myself sometimes, when I get to thinking about the way they treat our people in their lines. I could keep cool last year, but now I get very excited when the subject comes up. How shall we get even with them, unless we strove to be devils incarnate like themselves, which I hope may not be the case. Surely the just God will punish them. Granting that we were wrong morally and politically, it could not have justified such treatment as they have guilty of. They are merely giving us a taste of what we might expect if they should conquer us.

Honey, I want you to write whenever you think of anything you want that I might possibly get, for if I can, so much the better, and if I cannot, no harm will be done by writing. Have not the slightest doubt but we shall at least make the attempt to penetrate their country. This has been my belief based merely upon what I have thought ought to be done. We shall certainly never have such another chance and may God grant that we may succeed.

Darling, you cannot be any better satisfied with me than I am with you; nor any prouder. In my estimation there is no such woman as my dear sweet wife. None so smart, good or lovely, nor do I see any as pretty. You will pretend to think that this is all talk, but I assure you honey that I do not know anyone who to me is as pretty as you are, I pray we may yet live to be together and never be parted. Let us think honey that we shall have a little girl whose name shall be Fanny. You named the boys and I shall claim the privilege the next time.

Did you ever see a fellow who is so much carried away as David? Did Mary escape while here? If so, she is a lucky woman. My love to all and kiss Pamela for me. God bless you my precious wife.

Your loving husband.

 

Source: William Hassler, ed., One of Lee’s Best Men: The Civil War Letters of General William Dorsey Pender (Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press, 1999).

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This separating man and wife is a most cruel thing and almost enough to make one an abolitionist. #cw150

Camp Gregg, Va.,

April 26, 1863

My precious Wife

Your sweet letter of the 22nd came today, and of course it was a great treat. You do not know what an influence your letters have on me; if they are cheerful so am I, and if the contrary, so it is with me…

I have just received a bill from Richmond for a syringe and 5 cakes of soap. They will be sent by express.

David wrote me that Ruth’s husband had been sent to Richmond and sold. He ran away and his mistress promised brother Robert that she would sell him to him – for me- but as soon as he came in, he was sent off to Richmond, and they will not tell him to whom he was sold. I have advertised to find out where he is. I do not care so much to own him , but Beck is dear to me, and I hate to see her husband whom she seems to love, torn from her in that way. This separating man and wife is a most cruel thing and almost enough to make one an abolitionist. I know you will approve my trying to buy him. David Also wrote, “My family is well with family prospects brightening,” and adds that the same thing that elated him makes us rather down hearted.

I approve your sending the bill to brother Robert. It will either make him ashamed of himself, which it ought to, or it will furnish him with information that he desires. It may teach him a little lesson, namely to forget sometimes that he is a business man, bringing every transaction down to cents. If he is my brother I must say it was a very small think in him. He is though, a purely business man and brings every transaction down to it, He has been generous in his way to me.

I suppose I hope that D.H. Hill and Longstreet were never intended to take the places they surrounded. I hear that the latter is getting a large quantity of stores around Suffolk. The loss of Stricklands’ Battery was a very ugly thing and does but little credit to the General responsible in the matter. The idea of sending a Battery two miles from any support.

I went to Communion this morning and altho’ I did not feel that I was prepared I thought it would be more excusable in me partaking, and trying the harder afterwards, particularly as I may not have an opportunity again soon. I hope my feeling of utter worthlessness and shame at being caught as it were, will have a good effect. I went this afternoon to hear Mr. Patterson and I was very much pleased. He is a little queer, but preached a good sound sermon, one that would be likely to strike home to every hearer. Mr. Williams is about the best preacher I know. His sermons are always good and I sincerely hope to get him.

I am sorry to have raised, if I did, any hopes in you of a future home, for the idea of my buying a farm looked so ridiculous that I did not have the face to send my letter to brother Robert. But we will try to save and buy one, some of these days. I do not despair for I am learning the value of money. I hold tight to it and a few more lessons will make me pretty proficient, at least in keeping what I get.

Honey let us hope that the next offspring will be such as you wish. We have more grounds to expect it than the contrary, for it scarcely happens that all are boys. I am very glad you have become so well reconciled to your condition. You will not be worse off than many others.

I cannot bear the idea of your becoming broken and old looking, not my own dear that I shall love you any the less, for my love does not depend upon your looks, but I love you for your love, and goodness.

My love to all and may God bless you my precious darling.

Your loving husband

 

Source: William Hassler, ed., One of Lee’s Best Men: The Civil War Letters of General William Dorsey Pender (Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press, 1999).

 

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I am not cast down, for I am what I am altho’ from NC. #civilwar150

Camp Gregg, Va.

April 23^rd, 1863

My dear Wife

We have had a terrible rain today and the 13^th was out in it all, having started off this morning to be stationed up near Gordonsville to try to catch deserters as they make their way homeward.

I went up to Gen. Lee’s yesterday and I was told while there that Edward Johnson and WHC Whiting had both been nominated for promotion. Johnson was my competitor so you see my hope is gone. Not much disappointment as I have expected it some time. I have two drawbacks and heavy ones too: I am a N. Carolinian and a friend of Gen. Hill. The first will work against me with Mr. Davis, and the latter with Gen’l Jackson. But I say I am not cast down, for I am what I am altho’ from NC.

I am glad you like the Sentinel. I think it the best paper in Richmond. It is hopeful without being foolishly sanguine.

Honey I am very sorry you are so unpleasantly situated, but you need not refrain from writing me about it, for I have known it long ago. I wish I had a pleasant place amongst my relatives for you to go to, but it would be imprudent to go to my country in the summer. Suggest some means by which you can get rid of the annoyances any place you would like to go and I will cheerfully do all I can to make the arrangement. I am not able to have you, for my expenses will not be much over $100 per month and I would prefer your being contented and well situated to anything else.

Maj. Englehard wants his cloth sent to his wife. I see DH hill left Washington and I expect any day to hear that Longstreet has left Suffolk. It seems they were intended only as large foraging parties, and in this respect have succeeded finely. I have no idea what we shall do or when we shall commence, as there seems to be no hurry on either side. I have no doubt we will remain quiet if Hooker will, until in May when their two years and nine months men will have gone out. Gen. Hill is of the belief that we cannot have as much fighting as last year, and I sincerely hope it may be so.

Honey, what would you like to do to get rid of staying at your father’s. I know I could not stand it and I would not blame you to leave him. Write me about any place you may have thought of.

I hope I shall never be as cross as our fathers, but as my mood is not always of the sweetest even now, I had better not talk, but try to be amiable. I do not see why we should grow so cross and peevish as to be disagreeable both to ourselves and those around us. I pity Pamela for she has not even the consolation of feel that she could go if she would. I wish she had some nice fellow for a husband. If Stephen Lee had not gone west I should have it fixed by this time.

Capt. Kirkland got 20 lbs. butter yesterday and Columbus came back, and we are doing much better than we did. Tell Turner I was very glad to hear that he behaved so nicely at church, and he must continue to be a good boy and pap will get him some pretty things this summer. Bless you my dear baby, of course you shall have some confectionary when I can get it. I was just the other day thinking how much you would be pleased to get some nice French candy.

Does Turner ever swear any nowadays? He and Dorse must have a great time playing. I used to think about the time when they would be large enough to run about and play together. My love to all. And may God bless you my ever dear smart wife.

Your loving Husband.

 

 

Source: William Hassler, ed., One of Lee’s Best Men: The Civil War Letters of General William Dorsey Pender (Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press, 1999).

 

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April 1863: “Next to a Yankee a “conservative” is the most loathsome sight.” #cw150

Camp Gregg, Va.,

April 21^st, 1863

My precious Wife

You letter of the 17^th came yesterday, a sweet letter it is. You have no idea how much pleasure it gave me. I could very easily imagine how my dear child felt and carried on, when fixing up my old rags and how happy she was to be doing something for me. If course they will suit me for if such love as you carried into the operation could not do what was pleasing, what could?

Oh you dear little woman how happy I am in the possession of you and how much I want to see you. I often think darling that when we get together again that I will not be cross and look mad and refuse to talk as I used to do. I know you won’t believe me, and I do not blame you, for I shall act just as mean as ever. It is in me and I cannot help it.

I am sorry you sent the butter for I fear you put yourself to inconvenience or possibly deprived yourself and you know we deserve no such kindness or self-denial. I have the stars on had for the coat and it will not be long before I shall need it as my old sack is getting rather seedy. I am a thousand times obliged to Pamela and shall appreciate her present as it deserves. Kiss the dear pretty little Sis for me.

The paper was not subscribed for till the 14^th, but if it has not reached you yet, let me know and I will write about it. I subscribed to 1^st Jan., ’64.

We are living horribly now and I am anxious for the month to pass away so I can install a new caterer. Maj. Englehard holds the office at present and justice requires me to say that I never saw one fill it worse and but one – Brewer- as badly.

I am very much worried of late about desertions. Our NC soldiers are deserting very rapidly. I have had about 30 in the last 20 days, and all due to those arch traitors Holden and Pearson and Co. O poor old NC., she will disgrace herself just when the worst is over, and after two years faithful service. I cannot bear to think about those rascally “conservatives” as they term themselves. Next to a Yankee a “conservative” is the most loathsome sight.

I think the papers contain very strong indications of a letting down on the part of Lincoln, but we have refreshed ourselves so often upon false hopes that I will only say that this war as anything, must have an end and that each day brings that desirable result nearer to us. I cannot make out why Lincoln does not carry out his Conscript Law. There must be something wrong for it is all gammon about his having men enough. They have not enough now, much less will they next month.

Gen. Lee is about again attending to business much to the gratification of all. There is no special indication of move, but we hold ourselves in readiness to move at any time.

I will see Dr. Powell and ask him if something cannot be done to help you retain your food on your stomach. I feel very anxious that you should get well, for it is hard enough upon you without having to content against sickness and then I always feel that I am to blame for it.

The next time I send any money home I will write David to buy you some NC money. It is only about 7 per cent and that would be a saving to you amongst those Yankee Dutch. I wish I had thought of it before for by the time I pay for the horse that Capt Sumney bought for me, it will be two or three months before I can send any to you. Can you get along for two months longer upon what you have? Do not stint yourself by any means for by the end of May I shall be a hundred dollars or so ahead.

I wrote a letter to Brother Robert but did not send it, for after thinking about the matter, it looked so absurd for me to be trying to buy a farm that I did not have the face to send it. I know you each laughed at me enough by this time about it. Bless you my dear wife it is all for your sake, for I know how much you would like to have a home where we could live quietly together. I fear I began to feel that there is no alternative for us but the army for life. If I can get a good position, it will be better than anything else I could do, probably. It will certainly be a gentlemanly position.

I went this morning to Fayetteville for a bolt of cloth and if you should not want it all, it will not be difficult to get rid of. Can you not get a straw hat made for Turner, and if not why not let him wear a bonnet. Anything these times. My love to all. God bless you my dear good wife, in all things

Your fond and loving Husband.

 

 

Source: William Hassler, ed., One of Lee’s Best Men: The Civil War Letters of General William Dorsey Pender (Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press, 1999).

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They have gone systematically to work to starve us out and destroy all we have… say let us play at the same game #cw150

Camp Gregg, Va.

April 19^th, 1863

My dear Wife

Your letter of the 15^th came today and I was very sorry to see that you continue so unwell. I do not feel alarmed, darling, but I feel so sorry for you and sympathise with you deeply in your sufferings.  I think I wrote you to take a teaspoonful of the medicine three times a day, but I should have said a tablespoonful instead. Dr. Powell says it will discolor your teeth for the time, but that it will not be permanent. I think you had better continue taking it. I sent at order yesterday to Richmond for a syringe and some toilet soap for you. They will probably be sent by express.

Willie came down to see me today. He seems to be perfectly well. I will write to Fayetteville for a bolt of that cloth for you, provided it can be had reasonably. You may be able to have it bleached.

Have you received the Sentinel yet? Everything seems as quiet here as ever, the only stir being the passage of a great many wagons up the river above Fredericksburg yesterday and today, but as they paraded them so boldly it probably does not mean anything.

Have all the peaches been killed at Good Spring? I could and would have sent you some apples from Richmond, but Dr. Holt seemed to be certain that they could be had near High Point. Now I fear it would be hardly be possible to get them in Richmond.

Honey, are you in earnest when you say you are proud to bear the name of Pender and that you want your children to be Penders in all respects? I am much more sensitive about the name than might be supposed. I have no particular fancy for it, but I do all in my power to make it respected and one not to be ashamed of, and if I can help it you never shall regret bearing my name in particular. It stands well in the Army I am happy to feel. I believe that I have more reputation than any Brigadier in this Army. I do not care much for myself. I am happy to be able to cause your husband to be one that you can claim with some pride officially speaking. Excuse this egotism, honey, but you touched a very sensitive point of my nature and made me feel very happy.

If I get the chance, and I have no doubt I shall, you shall have the things you wrote for and a great many more. Mr. Williams preached for us this evening, but I did not think he was so happy in his sermon as usual. He has a little too much sectarianism for the crowd he preached to, especially as he will join us soon and ought to come amongst us without having any prejudice against him if he could help it. He had a tremendous crowd.

Darling, you are not any more anxious to see me than I am you.

You say you hope we will not go into Md. I hope we will pass through it into Penn. And I believe the large majority of the Army would like to. Our people have suffered from the depredations of the Yankees, but if we ever get into their country they will find out what it is to have an invading army amongst them. Our officers-not Gen. Lee-have made up their minds not to protect them and some of our chaplains are telling the men they must spoil and kill. Our endurance has almost worn out. Sometimes when I think of their rascality I get furious. To think that the cowardly rascals will not let our women and children leave Washington, or in other words, to place them between themselves and Gen. Hill. Hill is going to burn the town down and he is right provided he will not take any prisoners. They have gone systematically to work to starve us out and destroy all we have, to make the country a desert. I say let us play at the same game if we get the chance. God bless you my own dear wife. Kiss the boys. Love to all.

Your fond Husband.

 

Source: William Hassler, ed., One of Lee’s Best Men: The Civil War Letters of General William Dorsey Pender (Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press, 1999).

 

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