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Letter. William Lafayette Barrier, Chesterfield Depot, Hanover County, Virginia, to Mathias Barrier, Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina
Barrier describes his regiment's departure from Camp Beauregard. The regiment traveled through the Virginia cities of Petersburg and Richmond on the way to Centreville. They were warmly received in Petersburg: "Petersburg is a fine place and the people look well to the interest of soldiers." In Richmond, after camping for five days, the regiment was reviewed before "the great Hero of the South," Jefferson Davis. Barrier was on guard duty, however, and missed his opportunity to see Davis. Barrier reports that Richmond's fortifications are yet incomplete. Leaving Richmond, the regiment discovered that two men had fallen ill with measles; Barrier was subsequently tasked with taking them to Fredericksburg, where they might recuperate. On the way, however, Barrier encountered "a good N.C. lady who insisted on his leaving them in her care," and he allowed himself to be diverted to her home, where he stayed the night and wrote this letter. He then writes about other sights in Richmond: the Capital Square, where he saw statues of Washington and Henry Clay, among others, and the residence of Jefferson Davis. In Richmond too they were treated to a set of new tents. Barrier is anxious to hear news of his brother, Rufus, who, he understands, has fallen quite ill and returned home. He reports receiving the boots requested in his letter of 29 September. Finally, he reports that the health of his regiment is "generally good," though a few men have deserted, and that, in a few days, they will be at "the scene of action."