Here is a letter dated September 23, 1864, from Hugh Young Spence to Martin V. Barkley:
I transcribed the letter a few years ago. It was difficult to read, so if fresh eyes see something a little differently than I did, please don't hesitate to let me know.
In the trenches Petersburg Va.
Sept. 23, 1864Mr. M. V. Barkley
Dear friend, I seat myself to day to write you a few lines in answer to your kind letter which I received and was glad to hear from you. I am not very well but I hope these lines will reach and find you well. I have had diarrhea for some time and it still pesters me greatly. Day before yesterday morning I got slightly wounded by a small piece of a shell. It struck me on the calf of the leg breaking the skin in a small place. It is very sore but I am up doing duty. Well, Martin, I have no strange news to write you. I would be glad to see you for I could tell you more than I can write.
(Pg. 2) Lieut. King has written you all the news I suppose, about General Hampton's breaking into ??? meathouse and robbing it. It is also reported Early has been defeated in the valley. Things remain near the same here but we are expecting a hard time at ?? Well, Martin, I would be the gladest in the world to be at home. I think I could get well if I was at home. But I fear it will be a long time before I get home if ever. Dear Friend you must excuse my short letter. I hope to hear from you again soon. So no more but remain yours truly, H. Y. Spence to M. V. Barkley
Here is a letter dated June 13, 1864, from Nancy E. Richardson to Martin V. Barkley:
I transcribed the letter a few years back and am posting that transcription here. If fresh eyes see something a little differently than I did, please don't hesitate to let me know.
Rocky Point Miss June the 13 1864
Mr. M. V. Barkley,
Kind friend, I avail myself to answer very kind letter receive a few days ago. I was truely glad to hear from you this time me well hoping those few lins may reach your distant and lovely hand and find you enjoying the rich blessing of helth. You may rest asured that your letter was persued with care. You dont no how much pleasure it give me to read them sweet kind pend by your lovely hands. Oh if I just could se you could tell you more in one day then I could wright in a mounth. I, no news worth communicating to you more than you no. We have whipe the yankey in Va at evry point but great loss on bothe sids. There is a great batle defending at Richmond Va and if we whipe them there I think this war will close. The yankeys says this war wont last longer then July. If so we may all have peace in our Sunny South yet. We may live to se each other yet. I hope for a better day to come & turn over
(Pg. 2) I receive a letter from brother Sam yesterday. He was well after he left home. He was detail to make water buckets. He is not with his company, he is at Columbia Ala. I beleave I have written a bout all the news. You must wright soon. Excuse bad wrighting and spelling. I hope to here from you soon and give me all the news. I am as ever your friend till death, Nancy E. Richardson to Mr. M. V. Barkly.
My feble mind cannot indite nor my feeling tell, while with a trimbling hand I wright, perhaps my last fare well. This to friend, Nancy E. Richardson
(Pg. 3) I was sorrowed to hear of George death. Lest I hope he has gone to rest where there will be no more fighting but peace forever more. I am sorrow for Neal. Poor fellow, I no he has suffered a great deal from the wounds. Give Neal and the girls my respect love. Tell them to wright.
Yours truly,
Nancy Richardson
Here is a letter dated May 28, 1864, from Daniel Dendy to his sister:
I transcribed this letter a few years ago and have posted that transcription here. If fresh eyes read something a little differently, please let me know.
Camp near Bottoms Br. Va.
Sunday May 28 1864
Dear Sister,
Your very interesting letter came to hand some four days ago and was glad to hear that you are again well. This leaves me well and all of your acquaintances in this company. I have nothing new to interest you. I suppose you see the dispatches and are better posted concerning this awful war than I can tell you. Gen. Lee has been doing some awful fighting and Beauregard defeated Butlere on the south side. Ewell engaged the enemy on this side of the Chickehomne last p.m. on the Mecawichsville Turnpike and drove him across the river. I could hear the canonading verry distinctly. My impression is we will have a warm time here around Richmond in a few days. It is useless for me to try to tell you anything concerning the two contending armies for I know nothing. Our command is scattered. We
(Pg. 2) Three companies down hear with us. The others are higher up the river. I have never heard from Sam Lowe, only the yankee prisners say that they captured one of our couriers and he is the only one missing. I will have to close as the mail leaves soon. Write soon direct as before.
Your brother, Daniel Dendy
