Valentine G. Barney to Maria Barney
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I have not written you for a few days and the reason is I have been up here at
Newbern as a witness in the case of Capt Conwell who was in Commd of the heavy
Artilery at Newport Bks at the time or just before the Attack by the Rebs on
that place I dont know what will be done in his case but I fear he will be
dismissed the service. his case is a very misterious one and no one knows why he
left Newport at the time he did, as yet. I came up here on the 11th and have
been boarding here at the Gaston house ever since was examined Saturday and
shall go back tomorrow as I have got leave to serve the Judge Advocate and
Treasurer I will not be called again
Nothing of importance has
transpired since I last wrote a little excitement was caused here last night as
the 3d N.Y Cavalry were attacked out to the front of this place but this morning
nothing of the enemy are to be found so the excitement has entirely subsided.
Yesterday Sunday I will give you an account of how I
spent it Lt Col Strong of the 19th Wis- invited me down to his camp to spend the
day and have a pleasure ride- his camp is two miles from here and on the So side
of the Trent River. I of course accepted and he sent a buggy up after me in the
morning and on arriving at his camp was furnished with a fine pacing horse and
he and I rode over the country and passed the day in a very pleasant manner. We
visited the old battle field and the Old Evans Plantation &c &c
I took dinner with him and came back to this place in the afternoon,
got supper and attended church in the evening which is the first time I have
attended church for nearly a year A Methodist minister preached and his language
and every thing about the house brought to my mind many pleasant recollections
The church was almost precisely like the old Congo Church at S- only the pews
were like the M E Church at S- Here many of the Officers have their wives and
families with them, and yesterday when I saw so many of them riding out
with together my thoughts turned to you and I thought how nice it
would be to have you with me in case I was situated as they are here I
remembered of your telling me of how you used to ride horseback while teaching
at Clarenden and I though what a good appearance we could make riding through
the
streets of Newbern. I got two letters from you the day before I
left Newport Bks. Am pleased to know you are getting along so finely and hope
you may not be troubled more with sickness in the family I hope you will take
care of your head and do every thing you can to get rid of the catarrh, for that
probably is what keeps your head in so tender a state I have intended ere this
to write to Carrie and Fred- but no time has yet presented itself when I would
very well do so but you may tell them that I dont forget them and I have got two
silver half dollars which they shall have the first chance I have to send them
home perhaps they would go safe in a paper. I have not yet seen the box but
expect it every day I got Dr. Morgans bill of expenses on horse also his file
for attendance and when I get back will send you the exact accounts you can pay
him. I am well and send my best love to you - the next best to Carrie and Fred
with Kisses For you all
Your aff V.G. B-