Letter from Asbury Coward to his wife Elise, July 23, 1863

Letter from Asbury Coward to his wife Elise, July 23, 1863

Letter written by Asbury Coward to his wife Elise. He tells her about what is going on in Richmond and all the parties he has been attending. He also wonders why they are still in Richmond when there are troops needed elsewhere.

A2009.6, Box 3 Folder 1

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https://citadeldigitalarchives.omeka.net/items/show/1591

York (S. C.)

[Page 1]

H’d Qrs. 5th Ret. S.C.V.
July 23 1863

My darling wife

Since I wrote you last we have again changed our location to the camp on the [illegible] Turnpike which we left Sunday before last. It is far pleasanter than the one we left, which was offensive in every respect. The grand Review I mentioned as being in prospect, in my last, came off on Monday in splendid style. A large crowd of ladies and gentlemen honored us with their presence, among them the President and his wife. The Brigade has created a grand sensation in Richmond - all parties, soldiers and civilians and especially the ladies, have pronounced it the very finest

[Page 2]

in the service. On Tuesday a party of us was invited to an entertainment at Gen. Cooper’s and I must say that with dancing and flirting with beautiful women, I really enjoyed myself. I ought not to [illegible] saying, however, that your letter of the 17th which I had just received, put me in condition to enjoy myself. Last night I had to go in to pay my respects to Miss Cary, the Baltimore belle, but I found the evening decidedly flat. No flirting last night - of course I passed off as an unmarried man. Jenkins thinks that he has a good opportunity now to retaliate on me for the previous scolding I got him on [illegible words] and threatens to write all sorts of things to you about my doings. I am not much afraid of it, however, for I

[Page 3]

can easily turn the tables on him, as he was decidedly fast himself. Besides I have not a Carrie for my wife. - Why we are kept here now, I can’t possibly imagine. There is no enemy anywhere near Richmond, General Lee is safe on the south side on the Potomac and Meade can’t advance this way without first disposing of him. In the meantime Charleston is battering in her ancient seat, for want of troops to sustain her and here is a splendid Brigade kept in idleness. It is well that we get up these little episodes of pleasure, otherwise disgust and dissatisfaction would prevail. I never like to question the wisdom of those in authority, especially as I have not as many and good sources of information as they, but I do chafe at being kept here

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Now when “action, action, action,” is so urgently called for. I can think of but a single danger that could arise requiring our presence and that is a raid by the enemy’s large cavalry force. If such a thing was attempted now, it would be extremely difficult to repel it, for in three days they could reach Richmond with thirty or forty thousand mounted men. It may be this this keeps us here. I am trying to gather up a little sugar to send you. I have six pounds now and if I succeed this evening in getting more, I will try to start it tomorrow by one of my men who is about to go home on furlough. I can’t bear the thought of the darling babies suffering, Bless their little souls. If we stay here much longer could you not pay me a visit? I am more than love sick, I am ravenous. Good bye God bless you

Yr devoted husband
A. Coward