Another Letter from Robert

Well, fellow history junkies, here's another letter from young Confederate soldier, Robert Harris.

I guess I should restate that this diary is in the collection of the Tuscaloosa County Preservation Society, and you're reading this today because my boss was kind enough to let me spend the day transcribing it.

The journal is paperback and fairly thin. It has marbled covers that actually look exactly like the one pictured here. It's about 8"x9", the pages are white with faint grey lines. The writing is mostly done in black ink, though there are some corrections done in pencil, and a few entries written in blue ink.

Yorktown July 23^rd 1861

Dear Pa

     Still we are here awaiting an attack from the enemy. Every day, night all the time a sharp look out is kept by our out-posts, but they bring in now and then only a few Yankees and no intelligence of an advancing army.  It is evident now, that the Commander at Fortress Monroe knows of our readiness and willingness to receive him and knowing this he wisely keeps within his own line. If he should attack us and be repulsed and routed (which would be the case) I believe many of the Yankees would throw down their guns in utter disgust. Again to day a large detachment of troops from this place (4 Co, from each Reg) have been ordered to Bethel and W****te* New Port News probably

to storm that place. He is very anxious to have a fight since others have been fighting and gaining victories. Day before yesterday a great battle was fought at Bulls Run near Manassas, and our troops victorious. Davis himself commanded the centre, Beauregard the right wing and Johnston the left. Brother John then certainly in the fight. Many were killed on both sides. But you will see the particulars soon in the papers. I can write you nothing now from this point, except what I have written. We were being worked to death here and Col Hill mercifully allowed us four or five days of rest. We work now by regiments, each in its turn. I wish you could be here to see what work has been done and how well fortified we are against the enemy. We have been prohibited from writing home of the number of men here and giving descriptions of the entrenchments of all kinds.

The boat has come and I will see what news she brings of the late battle.

24^th I received two letters from you yesterday evening. I have cut from the Dispatch some pieces about the battle. I am in a great hurry now and will write again soon. You must write regularly to me, my love to all.

Your Son,

Robert Harris

I wish you would write to J.L. MCurry Member of Congress to have us taken from this Regiment. We are gentlemen associated here with the Rag-tag Bob tails of Mobile. Really they are cut throats mostly. Besides, incompetency of our Col is another strong ground for our removal. Will you do it. Nothing can be lossed and much may be gained. About 30 others have written home to have this done.