I have two fine wagon trains at my headquarters, and you may rest assured that they will have to haul a goodly quantity of dry goods #cw150

Camp near Berryville, Va

June 23^rd, 1863

My dear Wife

I was delighted last night by again hearing from you. Your letter from Goldsboro and one of the 14^th from Shocco and also one from Pamela came.  I do wonder that you did not like your quarters at Shocco, and think very likely you will be much better satisfied at home. I want you to go where you like best.

I wrote you a few days since that you might not be able to hear from me this summer, which Gen. Lee says was wrong, so I shall be able to communicate with you. The General seemed yesterday in fine spirits, but said he was going to shoot us if we did not keep our men from straggling. They marched finely coming up here. I told him if he gave us authority to shoot those under us he might take the same privilege with us.

I think our prospects here are very fine. Gen. Lee has completely outgeneraled hooker thus far and then our numbers are more equal than they have been. It is state on all sides that Hooker has a small army and that very much demoralized. The General says he wants to meet him as soon as possible and crush him and then if Vicksburg and Port Hudson do their part, our prospects for peace are very fine.

Gen. Ewell’s Corps is in Md. and ours has started. I will move this evening or tomorrow morning, but will be three day6s before crossing. Our army is in splendid condition and everyone seems hopeful and cheerful. Cheer up my dear little girl and hope for good things ahead. Ewell captured 31 cannon and 4700 prisoners, but still Milroy claims a complete victory figuring it out that he lost only 300 men and no cannon or arms.

Col. Scales has been appointed Brigadier. I am anxiously looking for him every day for his presence is much needed. Col. Hoke is the greatest old granny and had the impudence this morning to recommend him for promotion which I did not promise to do, nor shall I.

We are living here on fine mutton, milk, butter, etc. I have two fine wagon trains at my headquarters, and you may rest assured that they will have to haul a goodly quantity of dry goods if we get a chance which I think we shall.  I want to fit you out nicely by fall if not before.

What do you think of Mrs. Englehard? I am getting so that I cannot bear Maj. Englehard, he is so presumptuous but I will take some good opportunity to set him down, which will, I think, improve him. I gave Dr. Holt a raking last night and now one for the AAG will I think set things right for awhile. Capt. Hunt is my best man. Capt. Kirkland has been reappointed as I want a staff officers immediately.

Write to me about twice a week, honey, and I will probably hear from you occasionally. The children no doubt enjoyed themselves very much going down to meet you and repaid all the trouble. I will probably write you again before I cross the Potomac. Mr. Williams sends his regards.

My love to all and my own darling may God bless you and all that are dear to 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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I want my wife to enjoy herself as much as anyone, but I know she will do it as a sensible young married woman ought to do.

 

Hamilton’s Crossing

June 12^th, 1863

My dear Wife

I am again disappointed in not getting a letter from you by today’s mail. I have not heard from you since the first note you wrote after getting to Tarboro. I hope you are not sick, but will have reached Shocco by the time this gets there. Mrs. Englehard writes the Major that she had taken a very nice room for you, with a fireplace. She had to engage it from the 8^th which I am glad she did. I can only see one objection to it so far as you are concerned, and that is its proximity to Mrs. Rains and family. I hope you will find it pleasant enough to tempt you to stay all the summer, for then you will not be subject to your father’s ravings and unpleasant forebodings. Do not let the expense prevent you from staying, for now we have commenced the campaign my expenses will not be as much as they were during the winter, and I can well afford to board you two or three months in two years. Once and for all, if you find it more pleasant than Good Spring, stay the season out and call upon David for money when you want it. I shall either draw my pay or send David drafts on Richmond.

I fear I did Mrs. Englehard injustice in my last, for I have no doubt but that she is a very kind hearted lady, but her husband acts the fool when he writes her to have a good time with the young men. I want my wife to enjoy herself as much as anyone, but I know she will do it as a sensible young married woman ought to do.

We are occupying the same position we took last Saturday morning. The only change I can see is some heavy earthworks thrown up by the enemy on this bank of the river, which looks to me as if they did not intend to fight here, but hold us here to watch them, while Hooker operates above. I am getting tired of it and shall be glad to move up. We are in a very unsettled state, neither one thing nor the other. I have no doubt we have more troops in the vicinity of Fredericksburg than they, which we cannot afford. The Cavalry affair in Culpepper was a sad one and our loss was very serious. Stuart lost some of his best officers.

Poor Sol Williams and just married. I pity his desolate young widow. A strong argument against marrying while the war lasts. It would be much better if she were Miss Pagonne instead of Mrs. Williams. I suppose it is all right that Stuart should get all the blame, for when anything handsome is done he gets all the credit. A bad rule either way. He however retrieved the surprise by whipping them in the end.

Honey, by some means I kept your Bible, did you get mine? If you want my trunk write to Montgomery and direct him to send it to you. You will find that it holds about as much as the one you have and will be much more convenient.  If we get North I shall get me one, and if we do not I shall not sent it. I would prefer your having it. It has no key, the lock being broken, but it locks by the hasp and to unlock it put your finger on top of the hasp, push down toward the floor and pull it out at the bottom. Write to Mr. A.D. Montgomery, Box 1453, Richmond.

I hope you made it all right with brother Robert about sending Anna to school.  Did they not make a big fuss about your staying so short a time in Edgecombe?

I tease Mr. Williams a good deal about wanting to go home to spend his wedding anniversary with his wife, giving him to understand that no such excuse will do. I had a funny dream the other night. I thought I had been married to a young lady without ever seeing or hearing of her before. I was very bashful and had a hard time to keep jealousy from arising in the first of my two wives. It was a hard time I had in my experience of two wives, showing that one was better. She was nothing like as pretty as you. This was a very prominent part of the dream. It was a very strange dream for I had had no such thought beforehand. The next night I dreamed that Mr. Williams had got his leave and snapped his fingers in my face. I see occasionally late Northern papers and they are all full of the dissension in the North and complain – some of them – about the apathy in carrying out their Conscript Law.

Mrs. Englehard writes that she never saw so many children at Shocco. I feel convinced that Turner will be the brightest of his age there. I suppose you of course let them go barefooted during the warm weather. May you have good weather for yourself as much as possible under the circumstances. Present my compliments to Mrs. Englehard and thank her for me for her kindness about the room. God bless you my ever dearest wife. Kiss the boys.

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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Darling, if you had stayed much longer I fear you would have gotten so weak that you could not get home. #cw150

Hamilton’s Crossing, Va

June 9^th, 1863

My dearest Wife,

Your note from Richmond and letter from Tarboro have both reached me. My dear wife you need not have made so many excuses for yourself for you did nothing that required it. You hated to leave and thought I was hurrying you off and very naturally expressed yourself, but I knew that in your heart you did not blame me for doing what you knew I thought was best. You were not out of the way much too soon, although I do not believe we shall have any fight at this point, we expect however at any moment to move up the river to Longstreet’s assistance.

My dear, you do not seem to like Ransom. Do you not think you may in a measure do him injustice? He has some good qualities I know.

Your description of Rains is very characteristic of him. What a blessing it was that so few of those old fellow came over from the old service. They would all have claimed high positions and been able to do nothing to help the cause.

Darling, if you had stayed much longer I fear you would have gotten so weak that you could not get home. It seems to be fated that I am always to cause you to get worse if sick and sick if well. I shall feel easy about you when I hear that you and the children are at Shocco. Let me beg you not to get any economical notion in your head and imagine you must go home. If you enjoy yourself, and you ought to, stay until you get tired or your stock of money gives out and then if you want more send to David.

In a New York Herald of the 5^th, Bennett says there was never such a meeting on the continent as the Peace Convention of the 3^rd. If we are to believe him we may hope for something good to come of it. If Vicksburg holds out, and there is no reason why it should not, public sentiment in the North must and will do us good.

As the mail is about to close, I must. Be assured, Darling, that I was not mad nor did I think that you did not love me as you should, for I know it was that very love that made you dislike so much to leave. Give my love to them all at home. I shall write to Shocco as my letters will meet you there by the 16^th. Good bye and God bless you.

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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reports come to us from many parts of the state of the disgraceful conduct of deserters #cw150

Camp Gregg, Va.,

May 27^th, 1863

My dearest Wife

I feel very sad this evening for I have refused a leave to go to Richmond and have written a telegram to send to Sgt. Montgomery to send for you. Gen. Lee says from information he has received, it would be preferable for me to go to Richmond some other time, as my command may be needed very soon. I judge that he anticipates another fight. The damper to my hopes of seeing you is very grievous to bear, but I know it will be more so to you. I almost hope you may have left home before you get my dispatch not to come. I have not much doubt but that a fight is on hand. If it is to come all right. Hood and Pickett are both within striking distance and also Pettigrew’s Brigade, making us 10 or 15,000 stronger than before. I have no idea that if Hooker should cross again, that his men will fight as well even as they did at Chancellorsville which was bad enough. They had more than 3 to 1.

Honey I am anxious that you should go to Kittrells and will write to secure you a room. I would like to know who will be with you. Tell David I say he must take Mary and go with you unless you have plenty of good company already.

You wanted to know about the silk shirt; it fits very well indeed, and answers finely.

You are suffering only what is too common, for reports come to us from many parts of the state of the disgraceful conduct of deserters. Such men as Judge Pearson, Nick Williams, etc. are to blame. You seem to maintain your good opinion of Mr. Joe Williams under all circumstances. You will yet come to the conclusion that he really is without principle. No man could be as deficient of patriotism as he is, and be honest.

Capt. Kirkland has sent in his resignation on account of his suffering which renders him unfit for service. If I knew for certain that Henry Robinson was in Richmond I would get him, but not knowing it, expect to offer it to Lt. Rosborough of the 6^th NC. I am glad that Ham will not be thrown out by the new Law about Commissions.

Honey, I do not expect you will get this so I will close and write again soon. Our mailman has been robbing the mail and throwing the letters away.

I sincerely hope the children are well. My own dear, try to bear up under all disappointments. God bless you. 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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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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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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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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