In Camps Near York Town Va

April 22nd 1862

Dearest One

This leaves me in fine health together with most of the company although many have been quite sick but are now fast recovering and comeing in every day. We have verry exciting times here. Are expecting an attact every hour.

Our pickets are fired upon every time they give the enemy a chance at them and we fire on them in return. We have had several skirmishes with the enemy since the two grand armies came near each other.

The Yanks surprised a N.C. Reg. three or four days since and drove them from their breast work but by the timely aid of two other Regts they recaptured it by real hard fighting. Our loss was fifty killed and wounded. The enemy over one hundred.

They have since tried to storm two of our batteries at night but were driven back. Our company and Captain Carters are on picket. We have to go on every two or three days. Has been raining for three days but now clear. We have no tents…and but few cooking vessils and not much to cook at that.

We have over one hundred thousand men here on a line of twelve miles. The enemy more than we. McCleland is facing us with the grand army of the Potomac. Jonston is here with the Centerville army ready to receive him. Now why could not they have fought where they were instead of comeing away down here[?]

Communication is cut off from the south by way of Huntsville Ala., the yanks haveing possession of that place and the RR for some distance. The only way we could get them if we had such a chance is by the way of Mobile Ala.

There is a minister from France in Richmond. What his business is, is a matter of considerable speculation. Some think one thing some another, but I hope and pray it is some mission of mercy.

Our wise Congress has past a conscript bill at last; now we are all in for the war; and I reckon there will be no chance for any one to get home to see those we love. I try to reconcile myself to the privasion; but tis a hard struggle. If it will hasten the terminasion of the war then is the, or, will bee, the happiest moment of my life if I should live to see it, and God grant that it may soon bee so.

I firmly belive the war will not last longer than six months from to day for our men are determined on victory or death, and more than that, we are determined that France and England shall not have a pound of cotton or tobacco and when they see that they will interfere and the war will come to an end.

Mr. [Hansborough] has been in our company as an independent for some time, and is going to start for his home in Carrol Co Miss to day, and is going to do us the favor of carrying the mail that far. I fear you have not heard from me often of late. The last letter from you was brought by [Camden Rifles Private Calvin] Wade [of the 18th Miss.] two weeks since.

I don’t know what we will do for clothing this summer; but we won’t need many. I sent you thirty five dollars by Col Harmon which was nearly al I had. I reckon we will get some more soon.

I have met a number of my old friends from Alabama since we joined the main army. Well my love I don know any thing to write for we cant hear much now. Oh how I do wish I could see you and enjoy your precious company. A few days more will be the aniversiry of our Marriage. Has been ten month and ten days since I saw you last. What a long long separation.

I must close as I have to go on my post to watch the infernal yanks in a few minutes.

Take care of yourself my love and for Gods sake dont get discouraged for it makes me miserable to know that you are unhappy. Cheer up and remember the many sacrifices made by the women of the old Revolution. My love to all. Write all about our little home for it does me good to hear from every thing on the place. Receive many good wishes and many kisses from your own husband

Newton