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Letter. William Lafayette Barrier, Hanover Junction, Virginia, to Mathias Barrier, Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina
Barrier confirms receipt of his father's "kind favor of the 17th." He is glad to learn that Rufus's company is in such good health, though he is saddened to hear of some losses among the men: "Such is the fate of camp life." He writes that, while there have been rumors of action to the west, he hopes that they are unfounded, because the last Fredericksburg fight (the battle of Chancellorsville, 2 May 1863) was "very hard," and "many a brave boy fell there," even if the Confederates were victorious. He writes of the death of Stonewall Jackson, saying, "The fall of General Jackson is much lamented. He fell at the hands of his own men & by his own order. It seems to have been a Providential affair and I trust that his death will result in good to our cause." The 59th Regiment of North Carolina Troops (cavalry) passed through Barrier's camp just a week ago, and he saw many acquaintances, all of whom seemed to be in good health. George Barringer was also with them, though now he is on his way home "for the purpose of purchasing horses." He closes with information about various regimental reorganizations and best wishes to his family. The bifolium also includes a single page letter written to "Dear Pap and Mam" by L. Rowan Rose, who had been mustered in to Co. F on 15 May as a substitute.