Brisbin, James S. (James Sanks) (1837-1892) to Jane Brisbin
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01505.03 Author/Creator: Brisbin, James S. (James Sanks) (1837-1892) Place Written: Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 18 November 1863 Pagination: 3 p. ; 20 x 24.7 cm. Order a Copy
Complains that he has not received a letter from Jane, his wife, in two weeks. States "If I thought you had been so careless as not to write in all that time I would feel like casting you off- but I think you certainly have written and your letters miscarried." Relates seeing Beaver, Captain Patterson, Bayard Edmunds and other members of the Centre Company. States that he will soon see Major Jack, and encloses a note (not included) from Colonel Murray. Instructs Jane to save the note, revealing that the Colonel owes him money. Informs Jane that her colt is being trained. States "I hope we will soon get into winter quarters so I can have you with me - It is hard this living alone." Relates that a nearby railroad was recently finished (possibly referring to the Orange and Alexandria Railroad). Written near Brandy Station, Virginia.
The Orange and Alexandria Railroad in Virginia connected Alexandria with the Virginia Central Railroad at Gordonsville, establishing a rail link between the capitals at Washington, D.C. and Richmond. Brisbin enlisted in the military as a private in 1861, advanced quickly in rank, and was brevetted numerous times for his bravery and meritorious service. He served in the campaign of the Army of the Potomac (1862), the Red River expedition (1864), as a recruiter in Lexington, Kentucky (1864), and as Chief of Staff to General Stephen Gano Burbridge (1864). Brisbin is noted for his leadership of the 6th United States Colored Troops Cavalry (1864) and for his recruitment of many African American soldiers. He received an appointment in 1865 as Major General, United States Volunteers.
Hd Quarters 6'[U] [Slear]
Near Brandy Station VA
Nov 18th 1863
Dear Wife,
I am very much disappointed tonight. I got no letter from you. It is now more than two weeks since I left home and in all that time I have not heard a word. If I thought you had been so careless as not to write in all that time I would feel like casting you off - but I think you certainly have written and your letters miscarried. I will not scold till I find out how it is. The last time I left home you were a long time about writing. It is very cruel if you have been all this time about writing, but I will wait. Perhaps I will get a letter tomorrow. I was over at the 148th [Perma] today. I saw Beaur. Capt Patterson. Bayard Edwards and all of the Center Co. boys. They are all well. I had a note from Major Lack this evening. He says he will be over to see me tomorrow. Encloses you will please find a note signed by Col. Murrayy, put it with my other papers. I have got that much out of him perhaps he will pay its some day. He writes me a long letter and says he has written to his Mother for money and will pay me soon. I hope so don't you. I trust you are well and happy. I am very well. Your colt is being trained everyday. It is a fine animal. I was on it a Sunday and it is very gentle and such a splendid hack. I hope we will soon get into winter quarters so I can have you with me. It is hard this living alone. The Rail Road is now finished and we will move in a day or two at furthest. When we get on the march I cannot write so regularly, but will do my best. You must write everyday. I have nothing else to write. Be a good wife and pray for your Jim every night.
Long kisses from your affectionate Husband
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