Archive Record

Metadata

Accession number

1996.031

Catalog Number

1996.031.02

Collection

Pearce Civil War Collection

Object Name

Letter

Title

Foster (James Irebell) Papers, 1862, 1864

Creator

Foster (James Irebell)

Date

February 4, 1864

Scope & Content

Confederate Captain James I. Foster wrote these letters while in the vicinity of Petersburg, Virginia. They date from September 27, 1862 and February 4, 1864. The letters include brief descriptions of confrontations and engagements with the Federals at Bristoe Station. Included are several brief descriptions of several confrontations with the Union army.

This 1862 letter Foster addresses to "Mrs. L. Fleet" and begins with an apology for his late response. In this letter, Foster writes of his brigade's duty "to protect the batteries at Drewerys [sic] Bluff, if it be attacked by land." He expresses concern for his former regiment, as it has seen more action and suffered more casualties. Foster addresses the February 4, 1964 letter to "Bennie" from Culpepper County, Virginia. He describes moving the "Yankee Army out of Culpeper County by a flank movement, which was very successfully done." He describes his company's work destroying railroad communications in the area of the Rappahannock. Foster closes by stating, "If I get in another battle and come out alive I will be sure to write to you and if I get killed you will hardly hear anything about it."

Finding Aids

Available online and in the Archives

People

Foster, James Iredell (author)
Bennie (recipient)

Search Terms

Military tactics and strategy
Railroads
Communications
Death and mortality

Subjects

Petersburg, VA
Battle of Bristoe Station
Culpeper County, VA
Rappahannock River

Credit line