Dated “Woburn Va Jany 5, 1861.” Addressed to “My Dear Brother John.” 5 pp., in ink, 5” x 8. Exhibits fold-marks, lightly faded ink, w/darkened 2’’ smudge on page four, while remaining entirely legible. Else VG.

Charles Studivant Burwell is listed on his Confederate Certificate of Disability [dated 8/28/1862] as having enlisted in Company “E”, 14^th Virginia Infantry, 5/12/1861, for a period of one year. Personal characteristics listed as follows: 20 years of age, 5’11” in height, light complexion, blue eyes, light hair, occupation farmer. His disability, a heart condition affirmed by a surgeon, “designated as Phithisis Pulmonata.” Discharged from the army 8/28/1862, Burwell’s death is listed as 1864, though with no record that he ever rejoined the army.

Organized in May 1861, Burwell’s 14^th Virginia Infantry was attached to the Army of Northern Virginia, engaged in the battles from The Seven Days through Gettysburg, then transferred to North Carolina, afterward returning to engage in the Siege of Petersburg, on through to Lee’s Surrender. Mustered at 449 men in 1861, the regiment was down to 49 men and seven officers at their surrender at Appomattox. At Gettysburg they mustered 422 men, suffering 25 percent casualties.

In this letter Burwell writes to his brother John, shortly after 1861 New Year’s, recounting his Christmas activities, and most entertainingly concerning his inability to hold his liquor. To wit:

“We spent the entire Christmas at home with the exception of the first day, which Thos. & myself spent with Mr. Larry’s family, not the entire family though for cousin Lucy was not there, a very important part of the family in my consideration. As it happened I was glad she was not at home for I indulged a little too much in the Strong eggnog and about the time I went to dinner I could hardly see the nose in a man’s face. However, I had my sense not to expose my condition…

We attended a party atMr. McCullough’s which came off last Wednesday night in spite of the dreadful weather there were a great many ladies & Gents. We arrived about 7 o’clock and after taking a good swig of Apple Toddy went into the parlor—I was astonished to see the pretty gals that old Granville could produce. All arrayed in party style rendering a charming aspect to the eyes of a youth of nineteen. I enjoyed myself very much although I danced only one set. The room was so crowded that it was as much as I could do to get through the set. I danced without making blunders, that would not pay in such a crowd. I concluded to quit.

We have had fine sport shooting ducks since you left us. There were has been a good many grey & black duck & mallard in the creek this winter but since two or three take _____ in the creek they have all disappeared. Arme and I kept them baited & made almost a regular business to kill a duck or two every day with_your old bait in the horse shoes a favorite place for them.

We have at last succeeded in scattering a gang of turkeys with Bravo [a hunting dog]. I was hunting in that piece of woods between Gildsfield & “Shacks” when I discovered fresh scratches. At the same time saw that Bravo could smell the turkeys very strong. At first he scented them pretty as he would a quarry of birds but soon with little encouragement he took the tracks off and in a short time I heard him barking finally, and was pleased to see how well he scattered them. I made my blind and had the pleasure of killing three fine young gobblers; two of which I killed at one shot yelped up four together. I wish you could have seen the Captain and myself in a hog hunt we took some time ago.

We have stripped coal cured tobacco and find it much better than we expected.

We got over 300 lbs. of the A.A. No. 1in the big barn—good for no less than $50. We have not burnt my plant beds yet owing to so much wet weather. I am very tired of doing nothing and I wish very much that I could get into some kind of employment.

I was in hopes that you might get me a situation but times are so hard I know it is almost an impossibility. I am determined to be employed in some way and will open a school in the office and teach the little girls & William for we are at a loss for a school to send them.

Well it is getting pretty late and Armistead want the candle to go to bed so I must closed, hoping you complete success in all your business pursuits. I remain / Your Affectionate brother Chas. Burwell.”

Excellent pre-war memento from of young Confederate destined for service with the 14^th Virginia during in the Seven Days battles prior to being discharge on with medical heart disease on the eve of the Battle of Second Manassas. Invites further research.  [jp][ph:L]

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