This letter is the only one I found from Thomas’s brother William. It is written while they are in winter quarters at Manassas Junction Virginia. It clearly indicates that William is ready for the war to be over quickly so he can return home. There was a curious P. S. note that was most likely attached to the letter by Thomas. The Mr. Talley referenced in the letter is their brother-in- law, Rev. George Talley. This note discusses the return of one of the plantation slaves "Clark." He had probably been sent with them by their father to be of help to them while in camp. This arrangement does not seem to be working out!  

Manassas Junction, Va.
feb 14^th 62

My Dear Sister,
I received your letter day before
yesterday and I assure you it gave me great pleasure
as all of your letters do to hear from you all.
You seemed to think that I had forgotten
you all. But let me tell you that you are
greatly mistaken. although I have been neglig-
ent in writing to you it was not because I had
forgotten you. Brother Tom you know writes
very often, and he generaly tells all the news
and tells how I am getting on that is my
excuse for not writing oftener. I am very glad
to hear that Mas health is improving I hope
she and little Bud will get intirely well.
My health has been very good ever since I
left home, I think that camp life agrees
with me, but I do not think that I will
reinlist until I come home, and see you all.
We have very fine wether in this country

PAGE 2

it is either raining or snowing all the time. I
know you would laff if you could see us tramp
ing through the mud for wood and water.
And if we wish to go out in the country, we must
carry our pass to keep the patrols? from
catching us, but we all get on finely until the
time comes to eat, and then there is bustle. Brother
Tom has been a little sick, but he is getting well.
Oh Till I forgot to tell you, I have seene my old
friend and schoolmate Mr. Fleming. He
is in our brigade. I find great many of my
old schoolmates out here fighting for their
country. I have no news to tell you so I must
close. Tom and Bob send their love to all.
give my love to Pa and Ma and all the
family, and a portion for yourself. I have
three months to stay and then I will come
to see you all again unless something very serious
happens. write to me soon and continue to pray
for me and our country good by your affectionate
brother. W. H. Taylor

William Taylor

.P.S. Father, Mr. Tally & I have
concluded to send clark home the first opportunity.
I thought when Mr. Tally came for by his vigilance
would be able to make him worth
something to us. But he grows worse &
worse every day &it makes no diference
what business we have we can
not depend upon Clark for anything
He is so roguish that he is almost
all the time in a tiff with the soldiers.
He steals their rations from them.
I would rather live without him than
to have him. It is true we
will have a hard time without some
one to make fire get wood & water
& wash our clothes but Clark does
us so little good that we are all the
while vexed with him. If you cannot
spare one of the others, I will do with
out any. your son Tom

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