Item Description: A letter from W.F. Beasley to a member of the Pettigrew family. He describes the difficulty he has had in receiving letters, and the possible movement of his battalion. He expresses his dislike for his current location.

Item Citation: From Folder 270, in the Pettigrew Family Papers #592, Southern Historical Collection, Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Item Transcription

Camp Anderson’s Pan. S.C. Rest.
Near Weldon S.C. Oct. 13th 1864

My Dear Friend,

Your short letter of the 8th just reached me on the 10th and in compliance with the request therein contained I mounted my horse and rode for the P.O. in Weldon to search again for you letter. I found the P.M. shortly after my arrival and gave him a short piece of my mind, (I couldn’t share much) after which he went to work in search of the letters and soon found them. They were among a number of letters that had been received for the Sr. Res. but never delivered, I sent them to you on the 11th and would have written you on that day but my business prevented my doing so, I think you have formed a very correct opinion of W. Daniel the P.M. I hope you were able to read my last letter. I really feel ashamed of myself for sending you such a miserable servant, but I was so busy that day that it could not have been easily prevented. We had a meeting of our Battalion the other day and unanimously tendered our services to the Sec. of War to go to Petersburg during the present emergencies. I am under the impression he will accept the tender, and I hope so from the bottom of my heart for we can accomplish a great deal more at Petersburg than at this miserable hole. I was very sorry indeed to hear that you were sick, and sincerely hope when this letter reaches you it will find you well again. You must give my best over ?? and my respect to Mr. C. and others friends. To news – action at this time if there is it has been borne by the wind to some other parish leaving Weldon behind in disgust. I will always be pleased to hear from you My Friend, and would be glad for to advise me how to act in your letters. It is getting late and I must close as the sun will go out and have me in the dark. With my best wishes.

I am Your Friend,

W. F. Beasley