Give my love to Kate & Sister Nannie.

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Your affectionate Son, Charles Bruce.

Camp Randolph, April 21, 1862

Dear Father,

We march at 12 o’clock & consequently I have time to write only a few lines. We are going towards Elizabeth City in order to cut off a body of enemy who are making a raid into this county. They are said to be about 3,000.

Our brigade, which consists of 3 regiments of infantry & 2 battalions of artillery, is to get between them & the sound whilst the Norfolk forces attack them in front. We have about 40 miles to march through the rain & heavy roads. They had a skirmish there last Saturday in which we lost 50 men. I am very well. What will you do if the Confederate army evacuates Virginia? It is getting to be the opinion in the army that the government is going to do that pretty soon.

I remain Dear Father your affectionate Son, Charles Bruce

Suffolk, May 4, 1862

Dear Father,

We have just returned from our camp. We were about 2 weeks & I never spent a more disagreeable time in my life. When we started the General told us that we would not be absent more than two or three days & consequently we carried only one change of clothing.

I hear here that our troops are going to evacuate Norfolk. Two trains passed here for Petersburg laden with government stores from Norfolk & I understand that all the sick have been ordered from Norfolk & Suffolk to Petersburg.

I am afraid that it will be some time before I can pay you all a visit home as we expect to go on the Manassas line in a few days. I am getting extremely tired of camp as I have been here ever since Christmas. I think if the Southern Confederacy succeed, that I will deserve my part of the liberty gained by our victory.

I have not heard from you now in 4 or 5 weeks. I suppose your letters must miscarry some way or other. I find that Wilkins, tired of waiting for us to return, has set out for home.

I remain Dear Father your Affectionate Son, Charles Bruce, Jr.

Petersburg, May 17, 1862

Dear Father,

I got here safe this evening after having been delayed by the Richmond train running off the track near the Junction.

My regiment is here having arrived yesterday after marching all the way from Suffolk. I heard this evening that Petersburg would be evacuated in a week or two.

It is a mere rumor but I am very much afraid that there is some foundation for it. I have got another move of Huger’s to tell you. They tell me that the 53 Va. Reg. has been left near Suffolk & that it is very likely to be captured merely from our general neglecting to send them orders to march.

I remain Dear Father your affectionate son, Charles Bruce, Jr.

Camp near Petersburg, May 22, 1862

Dear Father,

We are now camped near Petersburg about half a mile beyond the race track. I was in town yesterday & saw them hauling all the cotton & tobacco to the other side of the Appomatox in order to burn it in case the yankees should get possession of this place. The Petersburg people seem to be in good spirits although I do not think that they would be willing to burn their town to keep the enemy from getting possession of it.

I heard today that Capt Claiborne’s brother was killed at Williamsburg. Have you heard anything about it? Instead of moving us to Jackson’s division I understand that we are to be reinforced here as the yankees have landed a large force near Smithfield intending, I hear, to form a Junction with Burnside & advance on Petersburg by the way of Suffolk. Tell Wilkins & Sandy that my company has to go on picket to City Point day after tomorrow & as there is a chance of a Skirmish I would like to have them along. I wish you would send me a pot of butter in the care of William Pannill, Petersburg.

I remain Dear Father your affectionate Son, Charles Bruce, Jr.

Camp of 14th Va. Reg., June 6, 1862

Dear Father,

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