Greene County, NC - Letters File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Brenda Stocks This letter is a part of a collection of Ormond papers owned by Pattie McKay Dunn of Rocky Mount. It was written by J. W. Hall of the 6th Regiment Alabama Volunteers to his Uncle Thomas Ormond. J. W. Hall was probably the son of James Hall and Peninah Ormond, daughter of Watkins and Betsy Ormond of Greene County, NC. James Hall and Peninah Ormond were married about 1844, and probably moved to Alabama before 1850 since they were not on the 1850 census in NC. Peninah Hall had brothers named Thomas Coke Ormond and John James Ormond, referred to as Uncle Thomas and Uncle John in the letter. Thomas Coke Ormond was married to Margaret Ann Edwards...Aunt Margaret. Transcribed and submitted by Brenda Davis Stocks. Manassas Junction, Va. July 7th, 1861 Dear Uncle Thomas, I have been thinking for several days I would write to you but for the want of an opportunity could not do it. Therefore I hope you will excuse me for not writing sooner. I have been expecting to get some letters for the last 8 or 10 days from North Carolina but have now got hopes I will in a few days as I have written some there that I am more than anxious to hear from. I wrote to Uncle John sometime since and to my Spicy also at Carolina Seminary. I want you to ask him if you should get this if they reached their destination (Carolina Seminary). I make this request of you because the mails are so irregular and when you write to me please let me know. I wrote to him about them but received only one or two letters from him since I have been in the army, and I think I got both of them before I wrote my Spicy. I am growing very impatient. Am fearful that I shall not hear from her soon. The War is interfering with my arrangements in that particular very much. Uncle John I suppose will tell you who my Spicy is, but I will have to keep you in suspense for the present. We have been in service about two months, the time has passed away rapidly with me, but just to look ahead and think that I have ten months to spend in Wars yet seems to me like a long time. I have not enjoyed myself so well since I have been in service as I did when I was in the Old North State, and do not expect to see so much pleasure any more until I take another trip to see you all. Can not tell when that will be. If the War should close soon it will not be a great while. First if I should be spared and I hope I will live to see the present troubles which are abroad in our land come to an end, I intend to settle myself have my Spicy's name changed to Hall if I can and hope that the remainder of my days will be the happiest part of my life. I fear that I have tired you with so much foolishness so I will branch off on something else. I have no news at all but what you have heard before this. The Battles which were fought near Manassas on the 18th and 21st of July our Regiment was not in either of them. The last battle that was fought was said to be the longest that was fought in America. There are so many reports about the number killed and wounded on both sides, It is a hard matter to find out anything definite about it. Taking everything in consideration I like soldiering very well, although it is anything but a decent occupation. We are faring very well at this time. Some two weeks ago we had to take shelter in the forest _________________(can't read this line)________________ and crackers during the time. Sam and I are both well have been well all the time except for colds. We are now in Camps about 4 miles from Manassas. This section of country is very mountainous and I suppose from every appearance it must be healthy. We have as good water to drink as the Southern Confederacy can produce. I want you to let me know where Peel is and all about him when you write. Please answer this immediately as you have no idea how much pleasure it affords me to receive a letter from the Old North State. Our company numbers about one hundred at the present. Fifteen young men have joined us in the last two weeks. They came from Henry County Ala. Do hope and trust the War will close soon. Dear Uncle hope you will not forget to pray for the soldiers. I would ask you especially to send up your petitions for Sam and myself. Tell Cousin W.T. Dixon I will write to him soon. Give my best love to all and especially Aunt Margaret. Goodbye for the present. I remain your affect. nephew, J. W. Hall P.S. Please excuse all mistakes as I had to write in great haste. Direct your letter to Manassas Junction care of T. T. Smith, Capt Henry Bl_?_, Col. Seibles Reg. 6th Ala. 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