Dated “June 8^th 1863.” Written from “Camp Iverson’s Brigade / Near Culpepper C.H. [Court House] VA. Addressed to “Mrs. S. M. Faint / WmsBorough / Gramville Co. / N.CA[rolina]”, with accompanying envelope. 2 pp., in pencil, on unlined paper, 10 x 8”, with ”Delafoe / London” watermark in upper corner. The letter is lightly yellowed, and exhibits fold-marks; Text is lightly faded while remaining entirely legible. Else VG, with the accompanying envelope in excellent condition.

John H.D. Fain (listed as J.D. Fain in military records) enlisted as a private in Co. C 33^rd NC Infantry/Lane’s/Brigade, Pender/Wilcox Division, 3^rd Corps, ANV, and rose to the rank of Captain, 7/28/ 1864. He was wounded in the Wilderness in the left thigh 5/6/1864, and was killed at Petersburg, 4/1/1865, in the final days of the war. Fain served with Co. “C”, 12^th NC Infantry, Iverson’s Brigade, Rodes Division, on the march to Gettysburg. This remarkable letter, written to mother as the army headed north, radiates the sense invincibility felt throughout the Army of Northern Virginia. In the wake their victory at Chancellorsville, their faith in Lee and themselves was sky high. As was their faith in God. In secular times such as these, it is forgotten how important religion was to Civil War soldiery.

Text: “My dear Mother….You see what a change of base I have made since I wrote you before. We left our camp near Fredericksburg last Thursday morning at 1 am and reached Culpepper yesterday evening. I had the whole night to sleep for the first time in several days and I extended my nap into the daylight. We commence our days journey generally between 1 & 3 o’clock at night and get into camp about 12 m. It is very hard work this marching but I always have a horse to ride. I am busy all the times writing orders and making out reports but work is not so irksome as I __ to consider it. All are in profound ignorance of our destination and purpose but I think the object is to meet the enemy in Virginia near the Potomac whip him and follow into Maryland. Our army is in splendid condition and you may expect to learn of brilliant exploits & I am sure you will be satisfied to learn of my safety and the victory of the cause. We all get into this positive way of speaking because God has so often favored us and we think he is still with us. I feel as confident that Genl Lee will defeat the Yankees in the next battle as I am sure that he will meet them. If we reach Maryland and Pennsylvania I guess the Dutch will learn the will learn the force of the word “Retaliation”, and know what the defenceless of the South have suffered. I shall write to you as often as I get an opportunity, and you must direct you letters to “Rodes Division” instead of “D.H. Hill’s and to “Richmond Army Mail. They will then be forwarded to the Army. Be of good cheer mother. I think our country’s prospects are brightening and that this is our last campaign. I saw the boys yesterday.
They are in fine spirits. I am carrying Nick’s knapsack. I thought he had enough to carry and that I could help him that much. I am doing well and as you see in fine spirits. I try to trust in God and pray that I may be spared to meet you again and that I may be returned to you a better boy. And putting my trust in Christ. I pray to God that you may be kept in perfect health, and also are its servants and that you may be kept in bright faith and cheerful hope. God be with you my dear Mother and cheer and comfort. My best love to Mrs. Hamilton’s family, Uncle Williams’ and all its servants. Write as soon as you can. God be with you my dear mother. Farewell/ Your affectionate son/ Wm. H. D. Fain.”

Superb Gettysburg Campaign letter, in protective sleeve, accompanied by documentation. Gettysburg Confederate collectors take note.    [jp]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS,

CLICK ON ‘CONTACT US’ AT THE TOP OF ANY PAGE ON THE SITE,

THEN ON ‘LAYAWAY POLICY’.