Private Nimrod Newton Nash of the Minutemen of Attala wrote two brief letters to wife Mollie, back to back, on Sept. 30, and Oct. 1, 1861.

Balls Mill Va Sept 30/61

[Her brother] Charles did not get off yesterday but will start tomorrow. I am still well for which feel thankful to a kind providence. I have nothing new to write as this is a poor place to get news for we seldom see a newspaper.

Oh yes, Harvy preached to us yesterday. Did much better than I expected. His text was from Ecclsiastes fourth chapter and nex to last verce. I forgot the number of the verse.

His sermon did some good, I think, for I never saw such attention paid to a sermon; [Band leader] Mr. [T. Dwight] Nutting has gone home and the band boys have not much to do. Some of the boys have gotten back to camps that has been out in the country sick. Our Co. will bee all right soon.

[Regiment Chaplain] Mr. [J. Richard] Farish and the boys who compose my mess sind their respects to you. I will bid you good night. My love,

Your Newton

Oct 1st

Dearest One

I have had such a good nights sleep. I feel quite refreshed and well this morning. Charles will start in a few minutes, for I wish it was I that was so near starting to see my love farr, farr away.

I dreamed of seeing you last night and I felt so happy. I thought I was walking over the cotton fields of the south, instead of being here where there is nothing but naked field of grass.

I have no news this morning for you. Charles can tell you all about me more than I can write.

We have fine beef steak, gravy, rice, coffee, and buiscuit for breakfast. It is now read[y] for us. Again good bye my love and may the good Lord bless and pretect you is the wish of your own

Newton

(You can make photocopies of Newt’s letters to Mollie at the Mississippi Department of Archives and History in Jackson, MS.)