Letter from Earl Carson Andis, Company F ("Grayson Daredevils"), 4th Virginia - to his wife:

December 25, 1863
Camp Stonewall Brigade

I spent a very lonesome Christmas. We were on Pickt on Christmas Day. The weather was very cold. Our winter quarters are some 6 miles from Orange Court House. We will have a snug place when we get it fixed up.

February 8, 1864
Camp of 1st Brigade

Sorry to inform you that Carson was taken prisoner on the 6th of the month. Our Brigade was down on the Rapidan on Picket and the Yankees crossed the river and took about 80 prisoners. Six men of our Company besides Carson was taken. The Yankees lost one hundred and fifty prisoners and seventeen killed.

The enemy has gone back and all is quiet again.

Two lame Yankee prisoners stated that they saw Carson and the rest of our boys after they were taken and none of them were hurt in the skirmish.

Signed,
G.B. Stone

Camp on the Rapidan Near Orang [sic] C.H.
Sunday Nov. 22d 1863

My Dear Friend

...We are seeing hard times now building fortifications along the Rapidan. we are expecting a Battle ever day. our independence is mighty hard to get, but we are not discouraged. yet I do not belive it ever will be settled that is by fighting.

President Davis reviews our corps tomorrow. I wish he had of staid where he belongs for I do hate this inspection. we have been building winter quarters for 2 months but cannot get to stay in them the Yankees got our best [unclear: houses ]...

And much love to you all

Your True Friend
John N. Hull

Directions Comp "D" 4thVa Infantry Stone Wall Brigade Ewell Corps 1st Division

Lone Rock
February 1st 1864
Friend Oliver,

As I am not very busy today I will write you a few lines. To day, we are stil enjoying our-self in camp as well as could be expected - very little to do only on guard every fifteen days and go on picket every twenty days. I have not bin on picket yet they go again wendsday. I will not go unless I get shoes. Oliver I want to ask a favor of you. I have got me a new hat and I want you to git me a cord and tassel to put on my new hat and the same. I will settle when I come home you can send it down by John R. Stone - he will start down the fifteenth of February. We are all living very well - getting one quarter of a lb of bacon and a pound of corn meal. The cornmeal is nearly as corse as hominy. We started the other day to Orange CH to relive the Irish Bitallian that is there on provost guard but the order was revoked and we had to return. We would had a good think of it, we may go yet if they do not shet down too soon. I may get a furlough this spring there is about eight before me they have not acted the lean thing with me but let them rip I meet them at the Hatters shop. I may get home by the first of April. Give my best respects to all whom may inquire and so I will close hoping to hear from you soon. So adieu adieu

Your friend
Waddie

Selected company report excerpts:

Company B (Fort Lewis Volunteers):

Stationed at camp near Pisgah Church, January - February 1864

This company, with the regiment to which it is attached, remained at this camp, where last mustered, performing picket duty at Morton's Ford and brigade and regimental guard duty.

Company C (Pulaski Guards):

This company together with the regiment to which it is attached, has been on picket three times at Morton's Ford since last muster.

Company F (Grayson Daredevils)

Stationed near Pisgah Church, Orange County, Virginia, January - February 1864

This company has been in winter quarters for the two months for which it is now mustered during that time performing heavy picket duty.

February 6 - One stand of six men were captured whilst resisting the advance of the enemy at Morton's Ford.