This terrific Confederate Civil War letter was written by James W. Carswell (1845-1862), the son of Joseph Carswell and Priscilla Gillean Baker (1826-1897) of Buena Vista, Marion county, Georgia. James enlisted on 15 June 1861to serve in Co. K (“Marion Guards”) of the 12th Georgia Infantry. He remained a private from the time of his enlistment until the date of his death on 28 August 1862, killed in action at 2nd Manassas.
For a 15 or 16-year-old boy who grew up in rural Georgia with limited educational opportunities, these letters are remarkable. James demonstrated notable insight and had a clear understanding of his circumstances and the crisis in which he found himself ensnared. His enthusiasm diminished during the dreary winter of 1861-62 in the Allegheny Mountains of northwest Virginia, prompting him to consider a multitude of ways for obtaining a discharge from military service. However, his patriotism was reignited in the spring, and he wrote to his parents, “I once desired a discharge but now nothing is further from my wishes. At that time, the prospects of the Confederacy were promising, and more men were at home than in the army, leading me to believe that my youth required me to be at home while others took my place. Now, however, all are called upon, and all must respond. The salvation of the Nation hinges on the promptness and patriotism of its citizenry.”
TRANSCRIPTION
Camp Barto, Pocahontas county, Va.
September 28, 1861
Dear father and mother,
I wrote a long letter to you on the 1st of the month and one also to Willis [P. Burt] on the 15th in both of which I stated what clothes I should want so there is no need of saying anything more about them. Dear parents, I write this morning to let you know that I am enjoying good health and am doing well so that you need not have any anxiety with regard to me. And also to inform you of the health of the company & regiment which is in a miserable condition. Half of the men of our company & of the regiment are on the sick list and since I wrote to Willis, our company has lost three men—William Hale, George Perry, and Athrur Watson. The last named died yesterday evening. Besides we have several other men dangerously sick. Our sick all starts for Harrisburg this morning which place is some 15 or 20 miles below Staunton. Our baggage has been sent to Staunton and we perhaps will follow it in a few days.
We are at the present fortifying this place but do not expect to remain here. We have had for the last two days some very disagreeable weather. Day before yesterday we had a storm which blew down several tents exposing the occupants, mine being among the number. There was frost and plenty of ice this morning. Mr. & Dr. Harvey are sick at a private house but are improving. Capt. Blanford has gone to Richmond & Dr. Brown leaves for home today and furlough of six weeks.
I have nothing more to write. This leaves me enjoying the best of health & I hope that it may find you enjoying the same. Give my love to all. — J. W. Carswell
P. S. When you write, send enough paper to answer your letter for it is a scarce article here.