Webmaster: griffing@fnal.gov

The Civil War Letters of John Norris

  [click on images to enlarge]

Petersburg, Virginia
September 15, 1865

My Dear Phillips,

Yours of the 6th instant is received. I was indeed glad to hear from you once more. My wife had been down to make me a visit and on her return to Washington she found your letter. She informed me that she went to the bank to collect the money for you, but as you had made an error in the amount, saying five pounds (the amount being only four pounds I sent you) she could not collect it. If you will write her again stating the amount at four pounds sterling, she can collect it and will send the amount by Draft, which will be the more safe. If you have the receipt which the bank gave me, and which I believe I gave to you, you had better send it to her also. I regret that this delay has occurred in your procuring this money.

I am pleased to know that you had the pleasure of a visit to your parents. I am surprised that you should have returned so soon. I think you have become thoroughly Americanized. I have had a busy summer of it. I returned to the Regiment the 23d of April. On the 24th was mustered Captain of Battery “G.” In May, was appointed Military Commandant of Prince George County, Assistant Provost Marshall, &c. and issued rations to destitute citizens, white and black. We issued in that County at the rate of one thousand rations per day. I continued there until the middle of July when Battery “G” was ordered to join a portion of the Regiment at Poplar Grove Church. The latter part of July, the Regiment was ordered into the city for duty and I am now appointed Ordinance Officer on the staff of General Hartstaff. General Hartstaff has been relieved and Major General Gibbon is now in command and I continue on his staff. Am now on a General Court Martial for a few days. The Regiment has had several moves and is now scattered over the city and a portion is out at Burksville under Lieutenant Colonel Winzer, who is in command of Sub. District of the Roanoke. Colonel [Samuel D.] Strawbridge is stationed in the city in command of Sub. District of the Blackwater. Captain [George W.] Webb is here issuing rations to destitutes. He is in good flesh, weighing near two hundred pounds. I have not time to write more now. Please answer without delay. Remember me kindly to your parents when you write them

With sincere regards, I remain your friend, -- John Norris

My address:

Capt. John Norris
Ordnance Officer
District of the Nattaway
Petersburg, Virginia