ARCRAWFO-L Archives

From: "Fran Warren" <>
Subject: Van Buren Press March 8, 1890
Date: Mon, 10 Dec 2001 12:44:16 -0800

I apologize for the length of this but was so impressed with the language of
the era. Hope you enjoy!

Van Buren Press
Van Buren, Arkansas- Crawford County

March 8, 1890
AN OLD LETTER
Camp Upper Marlborough, July 28, 1814.

My Dear Brother:
My last letter to you was dated from Geo Town, since which my time has been
so much occupied in marching and counter marching and taken up with the
business of our regiment that I assure you I have had but little time to
devote to other things. In my last I think I informed you I was then on my
way to Benedict, a small town on the Patuxent to take command of the troops
there, being a part of the 36th & 38th infantry, a small detachment of
light artillery & about 18 prs, the latter under the com'd of a Lieut. & 40
men of the 36th detached for that purpose

Before I joined the troops an order had been issued for them to move and
camp near the head of south river. I took command of them on their march a
few miles from Benedict, passed thro' Nottingham, Upper Marlbourough & Queen
Ann, and took a position at the head of South River about 6 miles from
Annapolis. We had not been more than three days encamped at the head of
South River when I rec'd an order to return immediately to Nottingham, the
order was rec'd about sun down on Sunday week last & by dark we took up the
line of march, and continued it till the middle of the night & the violence
of the rain compelled us to halt in the road we were exposed to all the
inclemency of a violent storm without any shelter whatever. A more dreadful
night I scarcely ever was out in. We were marching over one of the most wild
and broken tracts I ever passed through, the road stretching thro'
stupendious hills and alongside of steep and dangerous craigs, the horrors
of the night were increased by a violent thunderstorm, the scene was truly
awful & grand, the peals of thunder was reverberated manyfold by the
surrounding hills whose summits were exhibited in terrific grandeur by the
sheets of lightening that played incessantly around them. We continued our
march to this place, which we reached the next day. I have been here ever
since. When we were ordered from South river it was expected that the enemy
were to make another attack on Barney's flotilla, they had advanced up the
Patuxent & I have no doubt intended it & I think it very probable our
approach prevented it. We have endeavored by every means to induce them to
land and give us battle but as yet they have avoided it, they have never
attempted to land near us, but as soon as we leave the waters they commence
their pillaging and burning, they have destroyed a vast deal of property &
burnt many private dwellings in Calvert, Charles & St. Mary's Counties, they
last week burnt the court house at Calvert. It would indeed be almost an
endless task to relate all the outrages that have been committed in this
part of the country.

Do let me hear from you soon. I have not been favored with a letter from you
since I left you, send your letter to John who will forward it. I cannot
direct you with any certainty where to address me as I expect in a day or
two to move from this, should you write to me here direct your letter tot he
care of Capt. Brooks who will forward it to me. It will perhaps be best to
enclose it to John. I have gained strength, I am certainly better since I
have been with the regiment. The only inconvenience I have felt is a violent
pain in my left shoulder when I have been long on horseback. This, I am in
hopes will wear off, so my dear Brother let me frequently hear form you and
be assured I shall write you as often as I can. With sincere regard for you
all I remain, your affectionate Brother, Wm. Scott.

Fran Alverson Warren

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• Van Buren Press March 8, 1890 by "Fran Warren" <>