[The letters and extracts from the Richard P. Watters Chronicles on this webpage were generously provided by Daniel McConnell Watters]

THE RICHARD P. WATTERS CHRONICLES
Compiled and Edited by
Daniel McConnell Watters

Richard P. Watters was born on April 6, 1837 in Floyd County, Georgia the eleventh child and the ninth son of Joseph Watters II and Elizabeth (Polly Aycock) Watters. Joseph and Elizabeth had thirteen children, the last of whom was my grandfather, James Madison Watters. The last four children, including Richard or "Dick" as he was called by his siblings, cousins and friends were most likely born in "The Hermitage", the family home of Joseph II. We know very little about Dick until the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861. Therefore, to get an idea how he lived prior to 1861, it is useful and interesting to know something of about his family lineage.

From the beginning, the Watters family in America can best be described as pioneer settlers and patriots. William Watters is believed to have come from Wales to New Jersey where he married Ann Holmes. William and his eldest son Joseph James both enlisted in the New Jersey, Burlington County Militia in 1775 at the beginning of the Revolutionary War. They were both sent to Culpepper County, Virginia (duty unknown) where they served until 1783. Joseph James married Sarah Collins of Culpepper County, Virginia in 1782. Their first child George Washington Watters was named after their commander and chief and the first president of the United States of America. Sometime between 1783 and 1785 William, Joseph James and most of their related family moved from Culpepper County to Oglethorpe County, Georgia where they settled on land near Big Creek and the Oconee County line. The land was a draw provided by the federal government in payment for their service in the Revolutionary War. The 1800 Census of Oglethorpe County indicates that Joseph James owned only one slave.

Joseph II was born February 24, 1792 in Oglethorpe County, Georgia, the sixth child of Joseph James Watters. He was a private in the War of 1812 against Great Britain and served a portion of the time as First Sergeant of the Company of the Rifle Battalion that was attached to General John Ford’s Brigade of Georgia Volunteers in an 1813-1814 expedition against the Creek Indian Nation. He was honorably discharged March 6, 1814. On Oct. 4, 1815, he married Polly Aycock, daughter of Burwell Aycock and granddaughter of Richard Aycock, one of the earliest settlers of Georgia. He served as Captain in the Second Regiment of the Georgia Drafted Militia in the war with the Seminole Indian Nation from February 1817 to September 1818. Joseph II, Elizabeth and three children lived on the family plantation in Oglethorpe County until 1821 when they moved north to Newton County, Georgia to live with or near relatives. They produced six more children in Newton County. He was elected and commissioned Sheriff of Newton County on January 7, 1830.

Joseph II and family moved to Floyd County, Georgia in 1835 when the area opened up for settlement. He was a pioneer settler in Ridge Valley (named after Cherokee Chief Major Ridge) and named his home "The Hermitage" as he greatly admired Andrew Jackson. He became a prosperous farmer, ran a tannery and distillary and kept the Hermitage Post Office at his home. He became involved with Floyd County politics in 1837 and served as appraising and enrolling agent for the Georgia First District. According to US Senate Document 120, 25th Congress, 2nd Session, Joseph Watters was one of the Georgians of the Cherokee Removal of 1838. He served in the Floyd County Militia as 2nd Lieutenant, Captain, and Colonel from early 1836 to 1838. Joseph II was twice elected Senator to the Georgia Legislature serving terms 1839-40 and 1851-52. In 1850 he was elected delegate to the George State Convention of December 10th, at Milledgeville (then capitol of Georgia) directed to vote against secession from the Union. The majority vote of the Georgia State Convention was not to secede from the Union. Some historians say this vote probably delayed the Civil War by a decade.

The national election of 1860 was the most crucial in our nation’s history. The results meant whether or not the nation would be divided, whether or not we would have civil war and whether or not we would continue to sanction slavery. The people of Floyd County were particularly distraught because they knew that if the "Black Republicans" won the election, they would have to secede from the Union along with the rest if the Southern States. The election of the President of the United States was held Tuesday, Nov. 6, 1860. The tickets in the field were:

Republican: Abraham Lincoln of Illinois and Hannibal Hamlin of Maine;
Democratic or "Squatter Sovereignty": Stephen A. Douglas of Illinois and Herschel V. Johnson of Georgia;
American or "Know Nothing": Jno. C. Breckinridge of Kentucky and Joseph Lane of Indiana;
Constitutional Union: John Bell of Tennessee and Everett of Massachusetts.

The 1860 election results in Floyd County were as follows:

Precincts:……………..……Bell…. Breckinridge ….Douglas

Rome ………………………. 462 ….360 ….160
N. Carolina ………………… 55 ….66 ….21
Baker’s …………………….. 15 ….41 ….6
Livingston ………………..…. 26 ….50 ….0
Flat Woods ……………….... 22 …..8 ….5
Cave Spring ……………..…. 64 ….60 ….34
Wolf Skin ……………….….. 63 ….60 ….34
Watters ………………..….. 70 ….39 …..6
Chulio ……………………… 51 ….22 ….10
Dirt Town ……………….…. 4 ….35 ….13
Etowah ………………….…. 18 …..0 …..1

-------------------------------------------------

Floyd County Total …………. 848 ….756 ….286
Georgia Total ………………. 20,483 ..18,863 ..6,918

It is probably safe to say That Joseph II and his family voted for John Bell’s Constitutional Union party. The Floyd County 1860 vote validated their non-secession position previously taken in the Georgia State Convention of December 10, 1850. It is noteworthy, however, that there were no votes recorded for Lincoln’s "Black Republicans".

On May 18, 1861 the "Rome Light Guard" was organized as Company "A" commanded by Captain Edward J. Magruder of the Georgia 8th Infantry Regiment commanded by Colonel Francis S. Bartow of the "Oglethorpe Light Infantry". The original Company "A" consisted of four officers, five Corporals, two Musicians and seventy Privates. Richard P. Watters, first cousins George L. Aycock and Joel J Aycock and other good friends and neighbors from Ridge Valley were Privates and infantry riflemen. According to The Rome Courier: The arms for the "Rome Light Guard" were received on last Saturday. The guns are the Minie Rifle, that has, we believe, the highest reputation as an efficient weapon in actual service of any gun that has been tried. Only fifty guns are received, and if there are men in this community who to desire to join the company, they will do well to make early application. The company now numbers 45, and is, in every way, in a prosperous condition. – Nov. 20, 1860.

The Floyd Infantry left Rome first; it went away May 10, 1861. The Light Guards left Rome Monday morning, May 27, 1861, after having heard on the day before an inspiring speech at the First Presbyterian church by the pastor, the Rev. John Jones. They marched to North Rome and caught their train, and half the town marched with them, scattering flowers in their way and bidding them God-speed with fervent prayers from the women and lusty huzzas from the "home guard." Capt. Magruder, of this company, was the first man in Rome to don the blue cockade of secession. He was among the first to marry, choosing as his bride several days before the departure the beautiful Miss Florence Fouche, daughter of Col. Simpson Fouche. When the Guards left Rome, Mrs. Magruder marched with her husband at the head of the column, appropriately rigged out for the occasion-pistol and dagger in her belt, and a stride full of belligerency. Let Miss Bessie Moore (Mrs. Lawrence S. Churchill) describe the wedding:

It was a novel and inspiring ceremony, from all descriptions. The handsome groom was in full dress military coat, and his trousers were of white silk, brought from the Orient by his friend, Col. Chas. I. Graves, in a naval cruise. The blushing bride was dressed in snow white, including her veil. They rode up to the First Baptist church (which was located at the same site as today) in a carriage pulled by two spirited white horses.

Descending from their conveyance, they passed through an arch of uplifted sabres of 80 members of the Guards. As the couple reached the church door, they stood aside a moment; the Guards came in and formed a second column, through which the two again passed to the altar. Rev. Chas. H. Stillwell, pastor of the church, then made them man and wife. Mrs. Magruder accompanied Capt. Magruder to Orange County, Va., the place of his birth, and took up her residence with his people at "Frescati" (the Italian for "Green Fields"), the ancestral home. This mansion was converted into a hospital for sick and wounded Light Guards and other Confederate soldiers.

Orderly Sergeant Jim Tom Moore, member of the Light Guards and grand-father of Mrs. Churchill, was married shortly before the command left to Miss Letitia Hutchings. The ceremony was performed at the old Buena Vista, which for a time was Rome's leading hotel. There were numerous other military marriages, and some of the husbands came back to their wives, and some did not.

The Rome Weekly Courier of Friday, April 26, 1861, announced the opening of the Civil War as follows:

Glorious News — Virginia Seceded.— Gen. Scott resigns, and fighting at Harper's Ferry and Norfolk!

The news of the secession of Virginia was received in Rome at 11:30 o'clock on yesterday, together with the announcement that Gen. Scott had resigned and was in Richmond and that the Virginians had attacked the army at Harper's Ferry and the United States fort and navy yard at Norfolk.

This news caused the greatest excitement we have ever seen in our city. Cannons were fired and small arms without number, and all the church bells were rung, and all possible demonstrations of extreme joy were everywhere to be seen. Not a few eyes were moistened by the joyous overflow of grateful feelings. The eighth star was put upon it and the flag raised.

On Tuesday morning, May 28, 1861, the Tri-Weekly Courier bade farewell to the Light Guards as follows :

This company left our city yesterday evening at 6 o'clock. The muster roll may be found in another column. Our heart fails us as we attempt to write upon the subject. The company is made up almost entirely of young men-—only five married, and, with two exceptions, these quite recently. Most of the members have lived in the city or in the immediate vicinity; they are connected with the best families and of course are greatly beloved.

We are sure there will not be in the army a more gallant company of brave men than compose this corps. They are armed with the Windsor rifle. They have no accoutrements, but in all else they are fully provided. The provisions for health and comfort in camp are quite complete. That they may all safely return is the fervent and earnest prayer of the entire community.

The Georgia 8^th Infantry Regiment and the Rome Light Guards were apparently dispatched almost directly to Harpers Ferry, Maryland to participate in "skirmishes with Federal troops" the first two weeks in June, 1861. The Confederate Armies, including the Georgia 8^th Regiment, evacuated Harpers Ferry on June 15, 1861 and marched south to encampments around Winchester, Virginia. Dick Watters’ letter of June 18, 1861 was probably his first letter home since leaving Rome. His regiment had just completed their march from Harpers Ferry to Camp Defiance about 3½ miles from Winchester. Dick writes in his letter of June 29^th "I learn it has been reported in home that we had a fight and only twenty four of our company survived. Nothing surprised me more. Not one of us has seen a Yankee since we left home. If we did, we did not know it. We left Harper’s Ferry last Saturday, was a week (ago). There was a large force of the enemy marching on this place. Hence (they) would have cut off our supplies, and left us in a box from which there would have been no getting out--except cutting our way through. To prevent this, we blew the rail-road bridge and destroyed other public property--and went to meet them. But instead of meeting them, they heard of our coming and fled to their own side of the river."

The first major battle that the Georgia 8^th Infantry Regiment fought was the 1^st Battle of Bull Run (Manassas). The battle was reported to the Rome Courier as follows:

Manassas Battleground Camp, Tuesday, July 23, 1861, 8 p. m.

Dear Courier: Since writing this morning I have gathered some particulars of the glorious victory of July 21. As the facts are made known, the complete rout of the enemy and the utter confusion into which they were thrown becomes more and more evident. Instead of getting 42 of their cannon, 64 have already been brought in, and there is reason to believe still more will be found, provided this number does not include all they had. Our troops detailed for that purpose have been finding them all day, run off in concealed places by the roadside. In addition to the cannon, it is reported that the road leading to Alexandria is literally lined with muskets, rifles, etc.

This morning 27 of Lincoln's commissioned officers, including several of the staff, were sent to Richmond as prisoners of war.

The sneaking cunning and perfidious meanness of our enemies was exhibited on the day of battle by their use of a flag, one side of which represented the colors of the Confederate States and the other those of the United States. It was by the use of this that our regiments were so badly cut up. The column that flanked us showed the Confederate flag until they got to the position where they could do us the greatest possible injury, then turned to us the Federal side of the flag. For doing this when they sent a flag of truce to Gen. Beauregard, asking for the privilege of gathering up and burying their dead, it was denied them. How can they expect any courtesy when they thus set at defiance all the rules of civilized warfare? The low spirit that governs them and their miscreancy was also exhibited on the 18th, when they made use of the truce in throwing up barricades and breastworks.

A. J. Bearden was taken prisoner and carried some four miles from the battleground. This was after our regiment had fallen back. He was carried to the headquarters of the enemy, and there saw a large number of gentlemen from Washington City, New York and other places, drinking and carousing over "their" victory. Not long after, news came that their army was retreating, with our cavalry in hot pursuit. Then ensued a scene of indescribable confusion among this white kid gentry in their efforts to secure their personal safety by flight. When our cavalry came up, Bearden claimed his own freedom, and took captive the captain who had been guarding him. Chas, M. Harper, of the Miller Rifles, was taken prisoner, and with two or three others was guarded by six of the Hessians. After a while, more prisoners were put in care of the same guard, so that their number exceeded that of the hirelings holding them. Our boys watched their opportunity, snatched their guardians' guns and took them all prisoners. Another instance in which the tables were turned occurred with a member of our company, Robt. DeJournett. He was on the retreat when a mounted officer, supposed to have been a colonel, rode up to within 15 or 20 paces and cried out, "Your life! Your life, you young rebel!" DeJournett turned, raised his gun and shot him through while the officer was attempting to draw his pistol. DeJournett made a hasty retreat in safety, though a volley of muskets was fired at him.

It is now certain that John J. Black, Marcus A. Ross and John Payne were taken prisoners and carried off. McGrath came in today, unharmed. This accounts for all the Light Guards. No prisoners were carried off from the Miller Rifles. Seven of the Federal prisoners have told us they expected to be hung as soon as the battle was over. They have been taught to believe that the Southerners are a set of complete barbarians. Geo. Martin, of the Floyd Infantry, died last night. Howard McOsker and Anderson, of our company, have been sent to Gordonsville. They were doing well.

Our regiment has not yet reorganized, and we did not move today, as was anticipated. We were all very glad to see Rev. John Jones when he came into camp today. It is said that the Lincolnites have taken Washington City. They certainly hold no place this side of Alexandria.-Courier, Aug. 1, 1861.

It was on a bright, beautiful Sunday morning that one of the world's most remarkable battles was fought. Gens. Gustave T. Beauregard and Jos. E. Johnston were the Confederate leaders, and Gen. Winfield Scott com mander of the Northern army. Jefferson Davis was on the field, cheering the hosts in gray. It was here that Gen. Thos. J. Jackson got his nickname "Stonewall." Francis S. Bartow, colonel of the Eighth Georgia Regiment, had our command, and Gen. Bernard E. Bee was also there, with his South Carolina battalions.

Predictions had been made by the Washington contingent that the flag that carried in its folds the love of these hotly patriotic Southerners would be furled forever. A large crowd of spectators came out from Washington in their fine carriages, with nice lunches and plenty to drink in celebration of the expected Union victory, and the festivities were to be continued that night in the capital.

The tides of battle surged back and forth. Units of the Southern army were cut to pieces, and the remnants retreated. Seeing some men turning to the rear, the gallant Bee shouted, "Look at Jackson there; he is standing like a stone wall!" The men rallied. Reinforcements for us came up, and by 3 o'clock in the afternoon the rout of the Union army was complete. Beauregard and Johnston wanted to push on to Washington in the hope of ending the war, but Davis said no.

Practically half of the Eighth's 1,000 Georgians fell dead or wounded, or were captured or lost. The Fourth Alabama was also well decimated. Bartow led his men to an exposed eminence, which was too hot to hold.

When the command to retire was given, I did not hear it, and soon found myself with none but dead and wounded around me. I fell back to a thicket and met Jim Tom Moore, who said he did not know where were the rest of the men. Ike Donkle sang out, "Rally, Rome Light Guards!" About a dozen came out of the thicket and were immediately fired upon by a regiment in a protected position. The Romans returned the fire, then fell back to cover. My hat and coat were well riddled, but my skin was untouched.

Among our dead were Jas. B. Clark, Dr. J. T. Duane, a native of Ireland, who had come to Rome only a few years before and opened a dental office; Geo. T. Stovall, a bachelor, superintendent of the First Methodist Church Sunday School, and perhaps the most beloved young man in the town; Charles B. Norton, a clothing merchant, and D. Clinton Hargrove, a lawyer, my uncle and a brother of Z. B. Hargrove. Charlie Norton was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Norton and a brother of Mrs. Wm. M. Towers. Among our wounded were M. D. McOsker and L. T. ("Coon") Mitchell, son of Dan'1. R. Mitchell, one of the four founders of Rome.

When Charlie Norton was shot, he pitched forward and fell across me, for I was on my knees firing. He was the first Light Guard member to be killed. It was a horrible sight; men falling all around, some dying quickly and the others making the day hideous with their groans. Considering that so many were our boyhood friends, it was all the harder to bear.

Bartow fell mortally wounded, and was attended by Dr. H. V. M. Miller. A short time previously he was attempting to rally his men. Frenzied at his heavy loss, he seized a flag from the hands of a color bearer. It happened that these were the colors of a South Carolina unit under Bee. The incident was noticed by Bee, who rushed up and snatched the colors from Bartow. Bee also lost his life in this fight. Had he and Bartow been spared, it is quite likely they would have fought a duel.

As the Eighth Georgia marched off the field at the conclusion of the battle, General Beauregard saluted and cried: "I salute the Eighth Georgia with my hat off. History shall never forget you!"

Capt. Magruder received two wounds at First Manassas. Later, at Garnett's farm, near Richmond, he was wounded twice on the same day. Part of his nose and right jaw were torn away, and his shoulder was badly shot. Having had his face bandaged, he was rushing back to the front when a middle-aged man in homespun suit and broad-brimmed hat stopped him and said: "Major, you are more seriously wounded than you realize. You must take my carriage and go to the hospital."

Capt. Magruder pushed on abruptly, telling the man to mind his own business. A soldier who saw the meeting asked Capt. Magruder a moment later if he knew it was Jefferson Davis he was talking to. Capt. Magruder turned quickly and apologized, explaining that nearly all the officers had been incapacitated or captured, and that he must take command. He went through the thickest of the fight, fainted and was borne from the field. After a while he was promoted to lieutenant colonel. At Petersburg he was wounded twice; once slightly and suffered a broken arm. Surgeons insisted on amputation but he refused and his elbow was always stiff thereafter. He was sent to "Frescati," the Magruder homestead in Virginia, which he had helped put in order to receive his wounded comrades.

The following Richard P. Watters letters were written to his sister Nettie (Susan Antoinette), his brother Will (William) and his father Joseph II all of whom were part of the Rome "home guard" during the war. They take us on his journey with the Georgia 8^th Infantry Regiment and the Rome Light Guards from Harpers Ferry in early June, 1861, through the Campaign in Northern Virginia, to the visit by Miss Adelia McGuire, sister of his sick best friend George McGuire at Camp Sam Jones (see his last letter of March 1, 1862). His letters depict, not only his view of the war in Northern Virginia, but also his love and longing for home, family, friends and the farmland of Ridge Valley. In his letter of June 29, 1861 he writes from his encampment near Winchester, VA – "The wheat crops here are as fine as I ever saw. The people have just commenced harvesting. There is very little corn (here), principally wheat and clover. I think if I ever get home and farm, I will be certain to grow clover instead of cotton. I never could before account for such fine stock, coming from this country and Tennessee. It is the clover fields that make them. The common old dray horse of Linchburg is finer looking than the best buggy and carriage horses of Floyd."

I am in the process of locating and visiting the places where Dick wrote his letters and the places he was encamped, on duty, fought, convalesced or wrote about. I have located Masons Hill (near Lake Barcroft, Annandale, VA) overlooking Washington, D.C. where he was and wrote in his letter of September 18, 1861—" The scenery from this hill is sublime, and no mistake (about) it. It commands a view of the dome of the great capitol of the old United States, or in other words the White House in the City of Washington. Also a view of the Potomac River where we can see the vessels with their sails spread to the breeze pass to and fro in majestic splendor. This, though the best, is not all we see. We occasionally see Yankee pickets which though they may be fine looking fellows and generally are. It doesn't look so well as the other things." I have visited the National Historical Park at Harpers Ferry, WV and the Antietam National Battlefield at Sharpsburg, MD where Dick was wounded. I have visited Shepherdstown, WV where he was hospitalized and died of his wound on September 24, 1862 and was buried in the Confederate Section of the Elmwood Cemetery. [His memorial headstone was brought back from Shephersstown to Floyd County, Ga. by Danny Watters to the ancestral home of Joseph Watters called "Hermitage."]

We have no further letters from Richard P. Watters after March 1, 1862. We know, however, that Dick, and the Georgia 8^th Infantry Regiment, Rome Light Guards fought on through the Siege and Evacuation of Yorktown, VA; Skirmishes at Mechanicsville, VA (Near Richmond); the Seven Days Battles (around Richmond); the Campaign in Northern Virginia including Action at Thoroughfare Gap, VA (East Richmond) and the Battle of Second Bull Run, Manassas, VA. His final battle was at Antietam on Wednesday, September 17, 1862, the bloodiest single day in the history of our nation.

The last three letters in the below series are from George L. Aycock (Dick’s first cousin) to Dick’s father, Joseph II. In his letter of Sept. 22, 1862 George writes:

"On Wednesday 17th. we were in another great battle at Sharpsburg, Md. Our Regiment went into the fight about 10 O'clock and after driving the enemy nearly a mile, were ordered back and farther to the right where our lines were a little wavering.

On our way to the right Dick and George McGuire stopped to get some water and fell behind the Regiment. Before they could overtake us Dick was severely wounded in the right knee. George McGuire took him to the hospital and remained with him until Thursday evening when Dick was sent across the river to Shepherdstown, Va.

Since then I have been unable to learn anything from him, but hope that he was sent to Winchester, as a large number of our wounded have been sent there. Most of the wounded, however, fell into the hands of the enemy. Our surgeons did not think the amputation of Dick's leg necessary at first, but afterwards regretted not taking it off."

From: Camp Defiance, Va.

Date: June l8, l86l

To: Nettie Watters

Dear Sister: I spend the few leisure moments that I have this morning in writing a few lines home informing you all of my whereabouts. We are encamped at this time about 3½ miles from Winchester. We started on Saturday from Harper’s Ferry and marched Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, which was yesterday. A good many of our men broke down in the march. I am all right yet with the exception of sore feet. There has been some little disturbance in our Regiment during this three days march about something to eat. Col. Bartow caused the most of our cooking utensils to be packed up and carried off--they going one way and we another, I bought the most of the bread that I eat, not having anything to cook in. Besides, after marching all day I did not feel like cooking. We expected a fight yesterday, certain, but did not get it. I don’t believe yet that we will have much fighting though we are in twenty miles of a pretty large force of the enemy. It is said that there are 30,000 of Federal troops in Martinsburg, which is 18 or 20 miles from here. Some of our boys looked pretty pale in the face when we expected an attack, but most of them were lively as ever. I met up with Lt. Col. Liddell yesterday who left Mississippi about seven weeks ago and said all our kinfolks (were) well except Jo had not entirely recovered from his spell of pneumonia. Pink Howard, the music teacher, is in camp somewhere, but I have not seen him. I expected a letter from home by Dr. Gregory any hour, but did not get it. If I don't get one soon, I shall think I ought to. I expect we will have to go to ditching and throwing up breast works soon, but can't say what will come next. I don't think Gen. Johnson, Col. Bartow, or anybody else knows what we are going to do. Nothing more, I am expecting a letter from home every day. Write soon. Direct your letter to Winchester (Va,), Col Barlow's Regiment, in care of E.J. Magruder, I give my love to all inquiring friends, accept a reasonable portion yourself.

Your Brother,

Richard P. Watters.

("these lines leave me enjoying good health and in fine spirits)

From; Winchester, Va.,

To: Will Watters

Date: June 29, l86l

Dear Brother:

Once more settled, in Camp near Winchester, I take the present opportunity to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well and unhurt after going through the hard fight that is reported we got into at Harper's Ferry, I learn it has been reported in home that we had a fight and only twenty four of our company survived. Nothing surprised me more. Not one of us has seen a Yankee since we left home. If we did, we did not know it. We left Harper’s Ferry last Saturday, was a week (ago). There was a large force of the enemy marching on this place. Hence (they) would have cut off our supplies, and left us in a box from which there would have been no getting out--except cutting our way through. To prevent this, we blew the rail-road bridge and destroyed other public property--and went to meet them. But instead of meeting them, they heard of our coming and fled to their own side of the river. I see the Rome Courier has denominated us the Georgia Hunters. I think the name very appropriate. We have done nothing else since we came here. As soon as we left Harper’s Ferry, several Federal flags were hoisted. The 11th Miss. Regiment went back there night before last--consisting of not more than a thousand men--and pitched into the enemy numbering fifteen hundred. (They) were engaged in rebuilding the bridges. They killed one hundred and thirty one and lost only 27. The enemy fled leaving the ferry in possession of the Mississippians. I hope we have got to a place where (we) will stay until we can make some decided move--either in the direction of Georgia, or where we will have to do our fighting, I am tired of toting my knapsack over this country--though I never saw finer country. The wheat crops here are as fine as I ever saw. The people have just commenced harvesting. There is very little corn (here), principally wheat and clover. I think if I ever get home and farm, I will be certain to grow clover instead of cotton. I never could before account for such fine stock, coming from this country and Tennessee. It is the clover fields that make them. The common old dray horse of Linchburg is finer looking than the best buggy and carriage horses of Floyd.

These lines leave the Rome light Guards--with the exception of two--in good health and spirits. John Pinson with several others arrived here a few days since--all safe and sound. Write to me soon and as often as convenient. I have not received any letters from home except the one by Pinson. Nothing more.

Your brother,

Richard P. Watters

From: Camp Washington near Winchester

Date: July 4, l86l

To: Will Watters

Dear Bro:

I am all in a stew this morning to know what (to be about). We got news from our boys (that) they were about six miles from Martinsburg drawn up in line of battle. I expect by this time (they) are in a tight and severe conflict with the enemy. I would have gone to join them, but I received orders to stay and prepare our tents to receive the sick and wounded; and also to guard the encampment, should it be attacked. There are only six others of our company with me. Two of them are not able to do anything. I have been trying to get a conveyance and have a boy out now trying to get horse. If he succeeds I will go to them yet, although my orders are to stay, I can't stand the idea of the Light Guards fighting and me not there. The force of the enemy is supposed to be twenty thousand, with swarms still crossing the river. Our force is something over 17,000. Our company, a Baltimore company, a Kentucky Battalion are thrown in front as skirmishers to commence the fight. Some of them will be certain to fall. The Confederates are still bringing in Federal prisoners. They brought in an old Yankee doctor this morning who says that a hundred and twenty five Federal troops were buried on his land yesterday. A few Southern boys two days ago gained one of the most signal victories ever recorded. Three hundred and seventy five put to flight six thousand of the enemy. This is certainly so. I saw a man this morning that left there yesterday at 5 O'clock. He also says that the Yankees are crossing the river at Harper’s Ferry like bees. We expect tight times but don't entertain any idea of whipping. We have (if reports from town l.5 mi. away are true) about seventy five prisoners. These lines leave me well except for a sore arm from a vaccination--which kept me from being with my company. Had I known at the time (they left) what I know now, no sore arm would have kept me back. I (thought) it would turn out like our other Yankee hunts--several days marching without getting any nearer to them.

I will write again as soon as I hear from the boys provided I get a chance.

My Respects to all. Your brother,

Richard P. Watters

Gen. Johnson orders just received are to allow no one to leave camp that are here. So there is no chance for me to get with the Light Guards. They have a picket guard out allowing no one to go within three miles of the troops. 1 shall therefore stay here and sleep with my rifle ready to assail any attack that may be made on our camp. Two O'clock, the last news I heard from our regiment was (that) they were drawn up in line of battle near Martinsburg, waiting for the enemy to attack them. They had been waiting sometime and were not attacked. They expected to make the attack themselves. This was at six O’clock. I have not heard whether they made the attack--nor what was the result--nothing more at present.

One O'clock Thursday night I was aroused from my sleep by Z.B. Hargrove who has been to the boys, and who was sent back by them for all who can bear arms. I am one without a doubt. I leave in the morning for Martinsburg. The enemy, it seems, is not going to attack us. We expect to attack them tomorrow at 1 O'clock. I can't tell what will be the result. Zack H. says the enemy are 25,000 strong, while we are only 13,000. I feel as though we could fight them if they were 100,000 strong. I may hear some more news in the morning, but will have no time to write--as it will take all my time to get ready in time to get there--as it is about 20 miles. I will close (now). This may be the last you will hear from me. If I do not fall in the fight, I will write again as soon as possible.

My love to all, Your brother, Richard P. Watters.

****

Lieut. Lumpkin is very sick today. He will not be with us. Wesley Rush has also been sick but is getting about again. He is yet too weak to fight hard so will be left in town with me or two of the others.

RPW.

Date: July 11, 1861

From: Camp Washington near Winchester

To: Joseph Watters (Father)

Dear Father:

Nothing of note has occurred here since I (last) wrote home. Yet, I will write a few lines, as I am idle at this time. Our camp is situated in a beautiful grove about one mile from town--near where Washington camped when he was Col. of a Virginia Regiment fighting the Indians--with plenty of good water and everything to make it pleasant. I don't know how long we will be permitted to stay here. We received orders yesterday morning to pack our knapsacks and get ready to march at a moment's notice. It was reported that the enemy was advancing on us. We wanted to meet them and give them the best reception we could. But I heard this morning that they only came two miles to a large spring where they can get plenty of water. As for my part, I don't believe they will come any farther. I may be deceived. It seems that Lincoln in his message intends to carry on the war--though his four hundred millions will not last him long if he gets it. A great many of our learned men seem to doubt his getting the money. We have between 75 and 100 of their men prisoners here throwing up embankments and making other preparations to defend ourselves against them, should they attack us here. We have several times been drawn up in line of battle. Our General said he never saw a more determined set of men. Our Lieut. Col. Gardner, an old Mexican Soldier says we were too much (determined). He says no set of officers in the world could have kept the men back--that they would have been cut to pieces. It is thought that Gen. Johnson would have made an attack upon the enemy, had he not been acting under orders from President Davis and Gen. Beauregard--not to attack them unless he was satisfied that he could whip the fight. It would have otherwise injured Beauregard at Manassas. Nothing more. These lines leave me well. I hope they will find you all in the same state of health. Henry Johnson sends his respects to you. My love to all, your son, R.P. Watters.

****

I wish I could get a letter from home as I have not received but one, except the one by Pinson, I read a letter from Eddie Pinson (received a letter) speaking of sending things out here by the next one that comes. I wrote him to send me some brandy if he could get it. We have very cool mornings up here, sometimes almost frost. Sleeping out this way I feel like some (brandy) would help me. Mr. Norton and Charley Smith are here. I will try to write again by them when they come home. If they come soon, I will close.

Your Son, Richard P. Watters.

Since I wrote the above I have learned that Mr. Norton leaves for Rome tomorrow. I will send this by him. R.P.W.

Date: July 28, 1861

From: Manassas Junction

To; Nettie Watters

Dear Sister:

I received your letter of this 21st. at noon today and was truly glad to hear that you were all well. The boys have hardly known what to do with themselves for the last week, after being nearly starved out, and going through a severe conflict with the enemy. Our new recruits came in bringing so many good things to eat, together with letters from our friends left behind. Our boys could hardly keep within the bounds of the encampment. Since that time, which was the first of last week, our friends have been continually coming in from Rome. Never were a people more welcome than they are in our camp. Major Bearden, Mr. Norton along with several others arrived this morning bringing all the neighborhood news. I am truly glad to hear that everything is getting along so well in old Floyd, and particularly the Ridges Valley part of it. Major Bearden brought a metallic coffin along with him for Andy, but Andy didn't quite care about going into it, just now, 'Tis true he was slightly wounded and was taken prisoner twice, but got away from them the second time. And (he) is here with us now, all right, I guess you have heard all the particulars before this time. They have two of our men yet, John Payne and Billy Barren. You asked me to write about all the boys. I hardly know how to commence, as there are some that I have not heard from in a week. I went with B---- to Orange Court House on Monday after the battle. He is slightly wounded in the leg. I think he will be able to be with us in a few days. Will Leigh was taken with measles the day before the battle. I have not seen him since. I heard two days ago, though, that he was able to be about, gallanting the ladies over the streets of Charlottsville---three at a time. This is better than any of us was ever able to do in Ridges Valley, George King has typhoid fever. I think camp is a bad place for fever. George will be removed as soon as convenient to some other place. The other boys from the county are all well. You asked something of Turk. Well, he has done but very little drilling since he left home, but is looking better than he has for some time past. He says that he thinks he will be able to stand it from (now on). He was not in the fight. James Anderson, Bud's friend from Ringgold is pretty badly wounded in the neck and shoulder. But it is thought that he will recover. I never had better health than I have now. I am fattening all the time. I was even in hopes that we would get a month's furlough, but that is all played out. I see no prospect of getting home until this war closes. I may never live to see that time. I think it very doubtful if we get into many such places as we did on the 21st. But we may fight forty battles and never be placed in a like situation again. Most of the boys that were not wounded had holes shot--some through their hats, others through their coats and pants.

I came off without a mark of a bullet anywhere, though (I was ) as much exposed as any. John Pinson took sick on the field among a perfect shower of bullets. But (he) revived enough before our retreat to get out of the enemies way. I assisted him in getting off of the field. He is now at Gordonsville, Some of the boys just from there say he is getting about and will he on to join us soon. You spoke of Emma and Fannie kissing you for me. Kiss them back for me when you see them, without fail. My love to all my friends and reserve a reasonable portion for yourself.

R.P. Watters

Date: July 31, l86l

From: Camp near Bull Run 4 miles from Manassas

To: Will Watters

Dear Brother:

I received yours of the 27th by Mr. Harris today and was glad to (hear) from you all at home. I have written several letters home in the past ten days, but will write again as D. Ross speaks of going home this evening. I have nothing that will interest you--as you have heard all the war news before this time. It has been extremely hot here this past week. As I write, the sweat rolls off me as if I was following Jack and the plow. Our wounded boys, with the exception of McOster, are improving. Little hope is entertained of poor McOster's recovery. His skull was cracked by a bomb. He has not spoken but few words since. Will Leigh came to camp this morning. He is not entirely well yet, but is able to be about. He was not in the fight. He was taken sick the day before. W.J. Barrett has not been with us but very little since we left Georgia. I don't think he will ever be able to stand much of camp life. I have not seen him for a month. He looked very bad then. I hear that he isn't better yet. Mark Ross, who is wounded in the hand, is going home on a furlough until his hand gets well. I would like very much to be at home a short time now, but wouldn't like to leave my company here--Such things never take well with a people that are not disposed to volunteer themselves. We are not near so well situated here as we were at Winchester. The water, if you get it at all, is very bad. Such dirt--You can't see the bottom of a bucket. I fear such water as this is not the best for one's health. Since our new recruits came in I have been mixing the thing, drinking a little wine occasionally and not so much water. I hear Till Dozier is coming to see us as soon as he hears where we are. You can send the brandy by him. I rather think we will remain here some time yet, as we are not thoroughly organized since the fight. We have no field officer higher than Major. I hope Col. Gardner will (be) well time enough to take command of our Regiment, as he is universally liked by the whole Regiment. You spoke of packages being opened. None that come to the Light Guards have been opened that I know of. As I am on guard today and my time is short before mounting I will close. Give my respects to all friends and accept the same of your brother.

R.P. Watters

From: Camp Bartow

Date: Aug. 24, l86l

To: Nettie Watters

Dear Sister:

As Burl leaves for home today, I thought I would write you a few lines by him. I have no news that will interest you. We have been lying (here) still longer than at any other place except Winchester. It was three weeks last Thursday since we came here. It is a very good place. We have plenty good water both to drink and wash with. Our forces are moving forward now. Three Regiments passed our camp yesterday, moving on towards Fairfax Court House. I don't know how long before we move--expect pretty soon, though we being in this Sunday's fight, (We) may be held back as reserves in the next (battle)--in order to give some of those who are fresh and anxious to fight a chance to try their spunk. I am satisfied, myself, with this thing called fighting, but am ready and willing to try it again when it becomes necessary. I am not in favor of letting a single Yankee stay on this side of the Potomac—that is, on this soil of Virginia. Report says Lincoln landed about 75,000 troops on this side of the river two days ago, but I don't know that it is so. I rather think not. Our forces in Missouri are doing a good work. Hurrah, for Ben McGollery. I hear that Jack is raising a Company in Gordon for this war business. I wish him success and hope he will get into this same division of the Army that I am in. Old Georgia seems to be doing her share. Her troops are daily coming to the scene of action. I think she has already furnished her quota, but still they come. If you don't write me soon I will have to quit writing. You have no idea how much good it does to get a letter from home—or anyone near home. You never say anything about our folks in Louisiana, how they are getting along, or anything of that sort. Don't you hear from them? I'll close give my love to all accept a portion for yourself.

R.P. Watters

* * * *

For the health of the neighborhood boys inquire of Burl. I wish I could come with Burl, but there is no chance, no such thing as furloughs here now. There once was a time, but it is past. Burl will tell you what I need in the way of clothing. It is evident we will be here all the winter. We have very cool mornings here now. It was quite chilly to get up this morning at daylight. R.P.W.

From: Camp Bartow near Manassas, Va.

To: Nettie

Date: August 28, l86l

Dear Sister:

As Mr. Dean is in or camp today and speaks of leaving tomorrow and proposes to carry all letters that we wish to send by him, I have concluded to write a few lines to you. I have written so often of late I have no news to write. It will be pretty much the same thing over again. Major Thomas L. Cooper has been appointed Lt. Col. of our Regiment--which has created a great deal of dissatisfaction among the soldiers of the Regiment. There are not, I don't think, a dozen men in the Regiment in favor of the appointment, but his commission has been signed by the President; so I don't know that we can do anything but submit to it and get along the best we can, I think, myself, that he has just about as much business with the office that I have with the presidency. The office that he held before as Major was a degree or two higher than he was capable of filling. Fred Cooper, I understand, has been appointed to the Major's place. This I don't fear much as he will never be able to fill it. The next thing I reckon Eugene (another Cooper) will be Adjutant. Then I shall be in for sending for the old man (Cooper?) and making him a Brigadier General or General, or President. There is no use of commencing a thing and not going through with it.

We are seeing a pretty tight time now, working roads and doing guard duty. Several of our boys were sent 5 or 6 miles from camp yesterday and today. Two were sent off 2&1/2 miles from camp last night to guard a corn field. (This was) to prevent soldiers from eating Roasting-ears. This I think foolishness, for the Southern Confederacy is certain to have it to pay for--whether they eat them or not. Everything seems to be quiet here now. I hear of no fighting in the last few days. Beauregard is gradually moving his forces forward. We will probably remain here sometime yet, though I can't tell. I have been grunting a little for two days but am about all right again. All of our valley boys are well. Lucious Beale has the measles. He is doing very well. Turk Wright has been sent off to some springs.- I disremember the name- to see if he would get stout again. Cousin Berry (Bolling?) is well. This leaves me hearty. Give my best respects and well-wishes to all my friends. Accept the Iove of your brother.

R.P. Watters

P.S. Write soon. Write as often as you can. Give all the news. Write to Dink B. Tell her where and how to write to me as I doubt whether my letters ever reach her or not.

Address enclosed: R.P. Watters, Rome Light Guards, 8th Reg. Georgia Volunteers

From: Camp Without a name, Va.

Date: Sept. 3,1861

To: Will Watters

Dear Brother.

Being almost alone this evening, I will write you a few lines. I would have written by Mr. Price but I thought I would wait until I got letters from home. The lost the carpetbag that had the letters and papers in it. Captain Smith started Hicks off to Lynchburg as soon as he found that the letters were missing, but Hicks got back without any letters. So I write again without delay. Some of the boys were on a real bust for a day or two after the arrival of the car from Rome. As for myself, I was a little un-well at the time and am yet on the grunting list—though I think I will be all right in a day or two. I did not enjoy the good things as you call them as I would if I had been entirely well. I don’t know that I was right, but I was a little vexed when I opened the longest box that came to the company with my name marked on it--and everything in it except a ham and some dried apples was marked to somebody else. I felt real bad to see my mess-mates pull out bottle after bottle of preserves, jelly, pickles, catsup and pepper sauce with plenty of cake and other things (good) to eat them with. And I could produce nothing of the same. Tell Nettie, I have got a good whipping laid out for her if I am fortunate enough to get away with it. Our Regiment is now out on picket duty about 8 miles from camp somewhere in the neighborhood of Falls Church. They went out for five days and left camp Tuesday morning. I started and went with them to Fairfax, but feeling unwell and learning there was no chance for a fight, I returned to camp. I look for the boys back Saturday evening or Sunday morning.

President Davis come up day before yesterday and is still at Fairfax. Something is being done. We are daily expecting a row of some sort. I was disappointed in not getting an overcoat and some other clothing that you spoke of in your last letter. It has been so long since I heard from you that I don't know what is going on there. I have not heard whether you received the money that I sent you by J. Johnson or not. The health of our Regiment is a little better than it has been though there is a good deal of sickness in it yet. Our company turns out about 20 men. If they were all well they ought to number from 75 to 90. George McGuire tike myself is grunting a little. Jo Aycock and Will Leigh are with the company on picket. John Bearden, (is) sick at Gordonville and very sick. He went there sick but has got about again. (I) even look for him in camp Monday. George King is recovering slowly from his spell of typhoid fever. John Syvier (?) is as fat as he can be. I believe these are about all that are from our neighborhood. I forgot today that I got my blanket and socks in John Pinson's box. The socks came in good time. I was needing them. The blanket also came in good time. I don't know how it will be here in the winter with two blankets. My opinion, we can't stand it. John P. got a keg of lard also one of butter, which was the best package that came. He also got a sack of meal of late. If it had been sugar I don't know what the boys would have done. I expect that it will be soon that we will get no coffee and it is getting the very time we ought to have it—cold nights and mornings. What has become of Dr. Brandon? I have not heard from him in a month. I received a letter from Dink not very long since. All were well. Nothing more. Write as soon as you get this.

Your Brother, R.P. Watters

From: Camp Without a name, Va.

To: Will Watters

Date: Sept. 7, l86l

Dear Bro.

As Zack Hargrove speaks of starting to Rome tomorrow morning I will write you a few lines by him. I have no news of interest. Every thing is going on here as usual. We will perhaps leave this camp Tuesday or Wednesday and move some 10 or twelve miles forward near Gentreville. I guess our post office will still be Manassas. I don't know that there is any at Centreville. There was some fighting in the vicinity of Arlington Heights two days ago. I could not learn of the particulars, only that our boys whipped them, ran them back into Georgetown. That is getting pretty close to Washington. I heard that Gov. Brown was about to call out the militia in Georgia. If he does, Floyd County will be pretty scarce of men, particularly Ridges Valley. I sent a few days ago, thirty dollars by James H. Johnson to be left with Thos. Watters or T. McGuire for you. Write me whether you received it or not. I had no use for it here. I thought it would be safer there than it would with me. No more.

R.P. Watters

From: Camp I don't know what

Date: Sept. 13, l86l

To: Will Walters

Dear Bro:

I received your letter together with one from Thos. on Tuesday last and would have answered them immediately, but got orders while reading them to get ready to march. We struck our tents at 7 O'clock loaded the wagons and struck out on line of march at 8 O'clock--there being a full load and more than a load of other baggage--such as a days provision and camp chests and tents. We had to leave our knapsacks or carry them on our backs. I had tried this before and found there was no good sense in it. Hence I left mine, but strapped my rubber cloth and blanket together and swung them with my cartridge box and forty rounds of cartridges, then my rifle and I was ready for the march. One who has never tried it might think that there is no weight of about forty rounds of cartridges, but let them carry them a day without taking them off and they will find there is. We started out to go five or six miles as we thought, to stop near Centreville, but we marched on some four miles beyond Centreville making our march about ten miles. We reached our present camping ground at half past two O'clock. About half after 3 or 4 there came a pretty hard shower of rain which caught several of the boys without their coats. Strange to say some of them after being here as long as we have, suffer themselves to be caught in such a fix. I would like to see them get me far from my rubber cloth, if they give me time to get it. I have since I came here been deprived of my coat a week at one time (Which broke me, as the saying goes, from sucking eggs).

About 6 0'Clock our waggons got to camp with our mess chests and tents. We pitched our tents in a very low place--a place I don't like at all, but according to the arrangement of the camp it fell to our lot. Of course, we had to take it and do the best we can with it. About ten O’clock it commenced raining again and rained, I thought, nearly as hard as I ever saw it. The wind blew very hard and the rain beat through and came pouring in on me in a perfect sluice, but I could make nothing by getting up; so I pulled my blanket over me and took it as it came. Taking it all in all I did very well, kept myself tolerable dry. The day following which was yesterday being a pretty sunny day I hung my blankets out. By night they were snug and dry. During the day Greer and I went out through the country hunting (for) something to make a bed. We found straw about a mile from camp. We paid 25 cents for what we could carry and carried it the mile on backs. You may guess we slept good last night. Since writing the above I was interrupted by being called out on police duty, taking up and burying the filthy beef and other stuff thrown out by the men around the encampment. I now proceed to finish though. I haven't anything of interest to say or write. The ninth and eleventh Regiments of Ga. troops passed us night before last, pushing forward as reinforcements to our forces who were then fighting at Munson's heights, but they did not go farther than Fairfax before they were met and turned back. They were too late for the fun. Our boys had already whipped them (The Yankees) and hence had no use for any more men at that time. I think there must have been another fight in that direction yesterday. I heard at least 20 guns myself in less time than three minutes, though it might be they were drying off their guns when they got wet the night before. Our camp is about ten miles from the Junction, four from Fairfax Court House and two and a half from Fairfax station. We had no mail since we left Manassas. We will probably get some this evening. I hope to get a letter or two. I am anxious to hear from home again. I never can get used to a daily mail. If I don't get a letter every few days it seems to be weeks. I am anxiously waiting and looking for a letter from Dr. Brandon. He certainly has written to me before this, and the fault is in the mail not coming through all right. I received one from him dated the 20th August in which he stated he would write me again as soon as circumstances would permit. We are entirely out of envelopes and can't get them without paying 50 cents (4O to 50) per bunch. If you have any please send me a couple of bunches together with some paper. We have to pay 35 cents per grain (?) for very common paper. If you get this before the Manassas car leaves Rome, tell Nettie to make me a bed tick and put it ±n. I find it is much more comfortable than sleeping on the ground. And it will not be much trouble to carry and we can generally get straw to fill them with when we stop. These lines leave me well as usual. Nothing more at present. Give my respects to all,

Your Brother, R.P. Watters

From: Mason's Hill, Va.

Date: Sept. l8, l86l

To: Will Watters

Dear Bro:

As I have an opportunity, I will write you a few lines to let you know of my whereabouts. Our Regiment left camp on Sunday morning last, and prodded to this place to do a few days picket duty after a hot and tiresome march of twelve miles. We reached the place where we are now encamped called Mason's Hill. The scenery from this hill is sublime, and no mistake (about) it. It commands a view of the dome of the great capitol of the old United States, or in other words the White House in the City of Washington. Also a view of the Potomac River where we can see the vessels with their sails spread to the breeze pass to and fro in majestic splendor. This, though the best, is not all we see. We occasionally see Yankee pickets which though they may be fine looking fellows and generally are. It doesn't look so well as the other things.

I was placed out on picket on Sunday night after marching all day. This was pretty tight papers. I assure you I got very sleepy, though in a dangerous place. I had not been on my post but a very short time when several guns were fired immediately in front of me and not very far distant. They were fired by pickets a little in advance of me. This made me open my eyes. I thought I was in for a few shots, but I did not get them. Neither was there any fired at me. I remained on my post until Monday night, eating but one meal in the twenty-four hours. When I came back to camp, which was about a mile distant, I found the remainder of my company, together with two other companies of the Regiment had gone out on picket in another direction. Where they went there was no one between them and the Yankee pickets. There was no firing between them. Where they went some of them met the Yankees half way between their lines and had a conversation and swapped coats and pocket knives with them. It is altogether different the way I went. They kept on firing upon one another all day long. I talked with a Virginian who stood on one of those posts. He said he had to lieflat on his belly for twelve hours at a time. The hill we occupy lies fairly near to Ellsworth's Height, which is a very elevated position. The Yankees are planting some very heavy guns there. I don't know whether they intend to shell us out from here, or whether they are putting up to defend themselves. There was considerable cannonading over about Washington Monday morning. I have not heard what it was for. We are about seven miles from Washington City and six from Alexandria. I guess our Company will go on guard duty again this evening as they came off yesterday evening. We will probably go back to our tents Friday morning as we only came here to do four days duty--that is if the Yankees don't attack us before that time. We will do the best we can for them. Nothing more at present. Give my best respects to all.

Your Bro. R.P. Watters

From: Gordonsville, Va.

To: Nettie Watters

Date: Oct. 9, l86l

Dear Sister:

I received your kind letter by Burl Monday morning, and now sit down to answer it, I have no news of interest, but write merely to show you or tell you where I am and the state of my health. I am at the little village of Gordonsville on what you might call the convalescent list. We (8th Regt.) were camped about 2 miles from Fairfax Station. Our Regiment left camp Tuesday the 1st. to go out on picket duty. I have been a little unwell for two or three days previous to that time, but started with the Regiment as they expected to be gone five days. But after going a mile or two I found that I could not hold out to make the march, as it was about 8 miles to where they expected to go. So I was sent back to camp where I remained until Saturday when orders came for all the sick and convalescent to get off to the station as quick as possible. This movement I did not like. I was not too sick, yet I did not feel able to walk to the Regiment and carry my blanket and rubber clothes; so I told the Captain that was left in command of the camp that I would stay at the camp and take care of the things left there. But he said no--that I must either come off down the road or go to the Regiment prepared to double quick back if it was necessary to do so. So I came off and now am at Gordonsville. l came down on Sunday and met Burl who stopped here. Also Burl speaks of going to camp today. I think our General expected a fight last Saturday or Sunday, but it did not come off. I expect to go back to the Regiment in a day or two. George McQuire came down with me but is well and is going back with Burl. Jo Aycock, Wil. L., John Pinson, Larkin Green are well and went to the Regiment. John Bearden is in the country here somewhere. He has been here about a month. He is about well and is going back to camp soon. Burl brought my clothes through safely. I also got my blanket and socks sent in the car from Rome. Tell Mr. Ed Pinson l am under many obligations to him for the thread he furnished, as to yourself for knitting that comforter. It is the best thing of the sort that I have seen. These gloves, too, are something extra. Nothing more. Write as soon as you get this. Give all the news. The letters that were lost at Lynchburg have been found but have not come to hand. My love to all,

Your brother, R.P. Watters

From: Gordonsville, Va..

To: Nettie Watters

Date: Oct. 12, l86l

Dear Sister:

As I expect to return to camp Monday morning, I will write you a few lines before going back. As I have a better opportunity of writing and mailing a letter here than if I were in camp. As I wrote you two days ago, I am here on the convalescent list. I would not have left my tent but had to do it. I had to go to the Regt. who were 8 miles from camp on picket duty or come here. Not feeling able to march to the Regiment I came here to recoup a little. I am feeling splendidly well this morning and am anxious to get back to camp. I am staying with a gentleman by the name of Taylor--a number one place it is too, and no mistake. He has two daughters, who though not pretty, are splendid girls. They do every thing in their power to make one enjoy himself--which I certainly have done since I came here. I went yesterday afternoon with them and three other girls to hunt grapes and chestnuts. We had a splendid time. It was one of the most pleasant evenings that I have spent since I left home. I would like to spend another week here, but fun and pleasure is not what I came here for. A soldier should know his place, and I am sure this is not my place, When I am able for duty. Hence, if nothing prevents, I will set out Monday morning for camp. I wish I could spend a few days in old Floyd now, but all hope of getting home under four years has vanished. I think the war will continue until Lincoln's term in office expires. I may be wrong. I hope I am, but I see no prospect of peace now. As to furloughs, there are not many of them granted. I received a letter a few days ago from Dink. She wrote that all was well. I met Burl here on Sunday last. He has gone on to camp. The Valley boys were all well, the last I heard from them. Cousin Berry (Boiling?) stands camp life very well. I don't think he has been sick. If he has I didn't hear of it. There is a great deal of sickness in our army at this time. Hundreds are sent off daily to the general hospital at Richmond. This I don't like to see. I hope it will be better soon. People in this country are sowing wheat right ahead. I saw a field the other day up beautifully. Nothing more at present. Give my love to all.

Richard P. Watters

P.S. Write soon. Write often. Write all you can. I heard, since I came to town that 60 of our men, not our Reg., were sent out on picket duty night before last. They built up a fire and sat down and went to roasting chestnuts. The Yankees surrounded them, took them all prisoners.

To: Nettie Watters

From: Centreville, Va.

Date: Dec. 8, l86l

Dear Sister:

I received your letter of the 1st. at noon today. I am glad to hear of the continuance of the good health of the family. There is nothing of interest turned up here. Since I wrote you last, everything seems to move on perfectly smooth, though there are one or two preparations being made for a battle. Every man is required to have a canteen and haversack, which is an indication of some kind of a move. There is a rumor afloat here that Beauregard is going to fight. If the enemy does not attack him, he will attack them. I don't know as to the correctness of the report. If he fights them it will be somewhere in the vicinity of Evansport and our Brigade will have to go to their support as a reserve in ease they should be overpowered. If MeClellan thanks of advancing on us this winter, he need not put it off any longer. He certainly will not get a prettier spell of weather. I don't think I ever saw a prettier day in Ga. for this time of year. It is perfectly still and the sun is shining beautifully. I read in the Richmond Dispatch this morning--Abe's message. The old fellow seems to show fight, yet he had to tell a few lies in it. He says in one place that Maryland has furnished seven Regiments for the Union and none for the enemy (he has at last seen fit to call us). This I know is false, for there is a Maryland Regiment camped in a few hundred yards of us (besides several other odd companies I know to be in the services of the Confederate States). There is no such thing as winter quarters talked about among our Generals. I suppose they will be governed pretty much by the movements of the enemy. If they go into winter quarters, then there will be a chance for us. But so long as they stay out—we will oppose them. If we fight soon, it will be apt to close the Fall Campaign, but if we don't, there is no telling what will be the course pursued. Nothing more. These lines leave me well. The Valley Boys are all well except Jo Aycock. He is at Gordonsville. My love to all.

Your Bro. R.P. Watters

From: Centreville, Va,

Date: Dec. 31, l86l

To: Nettie Watters

Dear Sister:

I received your letter of the 23rd yesterday evening. I was truly glad to hear of the good health of the family, but never more surprised as I read of the old bachelor’s trip. If he does get married I shall certainly come home to see my new sister and judge the taste of the old fellow, if there is any possible chance to get off. It was reported that furloughs would be granted to the soldiers when we got into winter quarters. But I understand that that order has played out.

There is no news of importance at this time. We have at last commenced building winter quarters and such looking cabins you never saw. We have to build them of just such timber as we can get. I see no prospect of my getting home before the close of the war, unless I get a substitute, which I expect will be pretty hard to do now. I guess old Floyd (County) is pretty well cleaned out by this time. Car No. 3 arrived at Manassas several days before Christmas, but I did not get my box until Christmas day. Col. Cooper would not allow the waggons to (go) after the boxes. He said wait until we went into winter quarters. Everything came through safe in my box. Instead of having a Merry Christmas, as you wished, it became my duty to go as a guard of honor with the remains of Lt. Col. T.L. Cooper to Manassas where he was put aboard the train and carried to Georgia. The corpse of Lumpkin Sanders, one of my messmates, was also carried to Manassas where we made a case and packed charcoal around the coffin and sent him express to Rome. Since that time we have been working on our cabins. Col. Cooper was thrown from his horse against a tree and killed. M.L. Sanders died of sickness. John Pinson has been quite sick for two or three days, but is getting better. Joe Aycock has not come back to camp yet. I heard from him yesterday. He said he would be up in a day or two. Nothing more at present. My love to all.

Richard P. Watters

P.S. Tell Pa to send me a few table peas by car No. 4. I hear there will be such a car along after a while. Send me some butter if you have it. Coffee is about to play out in the army. Soda is selling at $1.00 per pound. I guess coffee is pretty tight with you all. My respects to Mrs. Ed. Pinson and Mrs. Candler, Emma, and Fannie. Burl says tell Pops to send him his coat, pants and vest by next car.

From: Centreville, Va.

To: Nettie Watters

Date: Jan. 22, 1862

Dear Nettie:

As Fred Norton leaves this point for Rome tomorrow morning I have concluded to write you a few lines--as you will be more apt to get a letter by him than if sent by mail. We are having some pretty hard weather at this time. Not a single fair day in better than a week, either snowing, sleeting, or raining. We have at last moved into our winter cabins. We moved a week ago today. One of the worst days I have experienced since I left home. The snow was from 3 to 4 inches deep on the ground and frozen on top, and it still sleeting. We moved into our cabin and not a board on it--with snow and ice for a floor. It was such a floor as this we had to sleep (on) until we get boards to cover our house. We have at last got it snugly covered and chinked and will soon have our beds fixed up. Then we wish to live more comfortably and more like white-folks. I have not been well for the past three days, but have kept going. Jo Aycock returned to the Regiment two or three days ago. He is looking fine. What is the matter with you all that you can't write? Has paper and ink given out in Rome? I can't hear from you. I have no war news to write, this time. Everything is going on perfectly quiet and calm here. I hear heavy firing occasionally of nights--on the Potomac. I guess it is our batteries firing at small vessels running the blockade. I guess some of you have seen John L. Pinson before this and got all the general camp news. So I will close for the present. My respects to all. Accept the same from

Your Brother,

R.P. Watters

From: Camp Sam Jones

Date: March 1, 1862

To: Nettie Watters

Dear Sister:

As it has been some time since I wrote to you I will endeavor to write a few lines tonight, though I haven't anything to write that will interest you. Miss Adelia McGuire has been to see us. I hope you did not tell them anything that I wrote home about George and caused her to make what I call an unnecessary trip. Although George had been pretty sick, he was doing very well. It is a trip, I guess, a trip that she will never forget. She got to our cabins on Wednesday evening accompanied by three ladies from Winchester and stayed all night. The sick were all sent off Thursday morning but from some cause or other the train failed to come out. The day was very windy and cold and the sick, George among them number lying in an open field waiting for the train. And then they had to stay until 8 or 9 O'clock at night. After drill was over I walked out to the railroad, and built up a fire and wrapped them up in blankets and did the best I could for them. Miss Adelia stood it a great deal better than I thought a woman could, but from the way she shivered, I thought (she) would freeze. Anyhow l am thinking that it will yet make her sick. She accomplished one thing by coning. George never would have got his furlough if she had not gone to Dr. Miller and got him to recommend it. I gave her a piece of pine and cedar. The piece is from a tree that I may say saved my life. A large minnie-ball struck it while I was lying behind it--just about the right height to have struck me. The cedar is from a bush that stood by the pine. Adelia-said she would give you a piece of them. I will send you some more if I don't forget to put it in when I get through writing. The presence of women in camp created a great deal of excitement in the Regiment. You have seen before how little folks at parties, peeping through the parlor door at the ladies and gents. Just this way the men were seen in every direction peeping around the comer of the houses. Tis a long time since I have spoken to a Lady before. We are in a perfect stew in camp now. I don't know what to say we are going to do. All the extra baggage is being sent off. Also the ammunition. It seems very evident that the intention is to fall back. Tis reported that we will fall back to the Rappahannock River. This leaves me well.

Your bro. R.P. Watters

P.S. I received a letter from Dink the other day. They were all well. They have moved from the old place to Newnan.

From: Martinsburg, Va. (George L. Aycock)

To: Joseph Watters

Date: Sept 22, 1862

Uncle Joe:

Dear Sir:

On Wednesday 17th. we were in another great battle at Sharpsburg, Md. Our Regiment went into the fight about 10 O'clock and after driving the enemy nearly a mile, were ordered back and farther to the right where our lines were a little wavering.

On our way to the right Dick and George McGuire stopped to get some water and fell behind the Regiment. Before they could overtake us Dick was severely wounded in the right knee. George McGuire took him to the hospital and remained with him until Thursday evening when Dick was sent across the river to Shepherdstown, Va.

Since then I have been unable to learn anything from him, but hope that he was sent to Winchester, as a large number of our wounded have been sent there. Most of the wounded, however, fell into the hands of the enemy. Our surgeons did not think the amputation of Dick's leg necessary at first, but afterwards regretted not taking it off.

I did not know until late Thursday that Dick was hurt and did not get to see him. George McGuire made every effort to come across the river with Dick but could get no permission to leave.

Brother Joel was sent across the river before the fight, being unwell.

L.C. Greer was killed. Please ask Mr. Ed Pinson to inform his people of his death as none of us know where they live.

Our company carried into the fight only 5 men and no officer.

It was our good luck to meet on that day the 33rd New York Regiment with whom we have contended four times and who took our baggage at Mechanicsville in May. Nearly every man in their Regiment was killed. Our boys now say, they are well satisfied with the loss of their baggage and are amply avenged for any injury they have sustained from the 33rd Regiment,

I took from a Yankee captain a fine sword and a very fine Colt's Repeater.

Col. Liddell of Miss. was mortally wounded. I will make every effort to hear from Dick and will write you again soon.

Truly yours,

George L. Aycock

P.S. Since writing the above I have heard that Dick succeeded in getting off for Winchester. G.L.A.

From: Near Martinsburg, Va,

Date: Sept. 23, 1862

From: George Aycock to Nettie Watters

Dear Nettie:

Since writing to your father yesterday, John Bearden, who has been for some time cook for our surgeon, has returned to the Co. He tells me that Dick has certainly been sent to Winchester and that his wound is not so bad as we at first supposed.

The enemy have all gone back across the river and all our wounded at Shepardstown are being removed. I wrote home twice while in Maryland, but have reason to believe my letters were captured. So please tell Aggie she had better make Joe and me some blankets, as there is no chance to get any here and winter is coming on. Tell her to knit us gloves also,

I have not heard from Joe in nearly a week but think he is in the hospital at Winchester.

Respectfully yours,

Geo. L. Aycock

It is impossible to get postage stamps here so I have to frank all my letters. Geo.

From: Camp 6 miles from Winchester-by George Aycock.

To: Will Watters

Date: Oct. 3, 1862

Cousin Will:

Dear Sir:

Since coming to this place I have been unwell and unable to leave camp. Day before yesterday I got Dan Miller to go to Winchester to see Dick and carry him some money.

Dan says he went to every hospital in town but could not find him, nor could he find his name on any of the hospital's records. Bro. Joe came down from Winchester yesterday and tells me that several men from our Regiment had told him that Dick was there but that he could never get permission from his surgeon to go and hunt for him. So I wrote John Bearden (who) told me he had certainly been sent to Winchester. Jim Reagan (Just returned from hospital) also says that he heard Dick was in Winchester.

These reports make me still hope and believe that Dick was carried to Winchester and afterwards from there to Staunton. And his being so often moved, satisfies that his wound is not so severe as I first feared it was.

We have not heard from Wilbur Leigh since he was wounded. Write me how he is if you know.

George McGuire and L.E. Beale (the only boys here from our Valley) are quite well. Joe is only tolerably well and I fear has come to camp too soon.

I have no (other) news that would be interesting to you.

Respectfully yours,

George L. Aycock

[Note: The letters of Richard P. Watters and George Aycock appearing above were transcribed by Dr. Julian Watters, authenticated and microfilmed on May 28, 1959. They are supposed to be in Drawer 9, reel 77, Georgia Archives; Accession number 299, microfilm number 164, Emory University; and Floyd County Library, Rome, Georgia.]

MUSTER ROLL OF COMPANY A, 8th REGIMENT
GEORGIA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY
ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA
C. S. A.
FLOYD COUNTY, GEORGIA
("ROME LIGHT GUARDS")

Soldiers listed in red are mentioned in the Richard P. Watters letters.

Bartow, Francis S.(Company B)—Captain May 21, 1861. Elected Colonel June 1,1861; Brigadier General P.A.C.S. in 1861. Killed at 1st Manassas, Va. July 21,1861.

Magruder, E. J.— Captain May 18, 1861. Elected Major Jan. 28, 1862; Lieutenant Colonel Dec.16,1862. Wounded June 21,1864. Absent, wounded, Oct. 31, 1864. No later record.

Lumpkin, G. R.—Jr. 2d Lieutenant May 18, 1861. Resigned Aug.16, 1861.

Beall, Lucius E.—Corporal July 16, 1861. Wounded in leg at Wilderness, Va. May 6, 1864. Absent, wounded, Oct. 31, 1864. No later record.

Aycock, G. L.—Private May 18, 1861. Slight leg wound 1^st Manassas July 1861. Appointed Sergeant. Wounded at Fredericksburg, Va. Dec. 13, 1862. Died from wounds Feb.1863. (Born in 1836.)

Aycock, Joel J.—Private July 10, 1861. Killed at Gettysburg, Pa. July 2,1863.

Barrett, W. J.—Private May 18, 1861. Discharged, disability, Oct. 24,1861.

Barren, William A.—Private May 18, 1861. Captured at 1st Manassas, Va. July 21,1861. Released at Fortress Monroe, Va. Surrendered, Appomattox, Va. Apr. 9,1865.

Bearden, A. J.—Private May 18, 1861. Wounded at First Manassas July 21, Appointed 3d Sergeant in 1861. Discharged, disability, Oct. 24, 1861

Bearden, J. N.—Private May 18, 1861. Discharged, disability, Oct. 24,1861.

Bearden, W. H.—Private Feb. 1862. Discharged, disability, Jan, 19,1863

Green, S. C—Private July 1862. Wounded at Sharpsburg, Md. Sept. 17, 1862. Died from wounds at Lavinia Groves Farm, Md. Sept. 1862.

Greer, Larkin C.-Private May 27, 1861. Killed Sharpsburg, Md. Sept. 17, 1862. Killed standing over a wounded Yankee that he had carried out of musket range when a musket ball cut him down.

Hargrove, Zachariah B—Private May 18, 1861. Discharged, disability, Sept. 7,1861. Elected Captain of Co. C 40^th Regt. Ga. Inf. Mar. 10,1862. Resigned, disability. Dec. 23,1862.

Howard, Jett T—Private May 18, 1861. Wounded, hip disabled, in 1862. Joined Captain Claghorn's Company, Chatham Siege Artillery while home on wounded furlough, Jan. 2,1862. Dropped from rolls of said company, on account of being a member of Co A, 8th Regt. Ga. Inf., June 1862. Discharged, disability, near Richmond, Va., June 12, 1862. Enlisted as a private in Co. C, 22d Battn. Ga. Heavy Artillery Oct 15,1862. Elected Jr 2d Lieutenant of Co. I, 63d Regt. Ga. Inf Dec 23,1862. Detailed on gun boat at Savannah, Ga. Jan. 1864. Admitted to Macon, Ga. hospital, suffering from wound in hip, May 27, l864. Surrendered, Greensboro, N.C. Apr. 26,1865.

Johnson, J. H.—Private May 18, 1861. Discharged, disability, Sept. 4, 1861.

King, G. W.—Private May 18, 1861. No later record.

Leigh, Wilber Fisk—Private May 18, 1861. Mortally wounded at Thoroughfare Gap, Va. Aug. 28,1862. Died at 2^nd Manassas, Va. Aug. 30, 1862.

McGuire, George E.-Private May 27, 1861. Was with Richard P. Watters at Antietam (Sharpsburg, Md.) when he was wounded. No further record.

McOsker, Michael Daniel—Private May 18, 1861. Severe head wound at 1st Manassas, Va. July 21, 1861. Discharged on account of wounds Aug. 12, 1861. Enlisted as a private in Co. C, 40th Regt. Ga. Inf. Mar. 10, 1862. Wounded at Vicksburg, Miss. July 3, 1863. Discharged on account of wounds. (Record in last command cannot be verified.)

Payne, J. R.—Private May 18, 1861. Captured at 1st Manassas, Va. July 21, 1861. Exchanged at Fort McHenry, Md. Killed at Cold Harbor, Va. June 1,1864.

Pinson, John Lumpkin—Private May 18, 1861. Surrendered, Appomattox, Va. Apr. 9, 1865.

Reagan, J. H.—Private Mar. 4, 1862. Absent sick Oct. 31, 1864. No later record.

Ross, M. A.—Private May 18, 1861. Absent sick Jan. 1862. No later record.

Rush, C. W.—Private May 18, 1861. Discharged, on account of tuberculosis, July 16,1861.

Watters, Richard P.—Private May 18, 1861. Wounded at Sharpsburg, Md. Sept. 17,1862. Died in Shepherdstown, WVa. hospital from wounds on Sept. 24,1862. Buried Confederate Section, Elmwood Cemetery, Shepherdstown, WVa. His headstone was replaced by a new marble Veterans Administration headstone in June 2001. An appropriate bronze plaque was attached to the original headstone and placed in the northwest corner of the Watters family cemetery in Ridge Valley (Rome) GA. October 2001.

No rolls of this company on file in War Department, Washington, D. C., from July 1861 to Apr. 1, 1864.

[The Richard P. Watters Chronicles on this webpage were generously provided by Daniel McConnell Watters]