COPIAH COUNTY NEWS [HAZLEHURST, MS], August 21, 1861, p. 3, c. 5

Camp Davis, Lynchburg, Va.}

August 8, 1861.}
Capt. Ward:

Our camp is in confusion to-night, all are busily engaged in packing up their "dry goods" &c., having received orders to strike tent at three o'clock in the morning to march to Manassas. We have spent our time as pleasantly as the circumstances will admit, since arriving at this great Tobacco town, it affords every luxury that we have at home, except the presence of better friends, fruit, &c., for the money, the best water in the world and generous treatment from its citizens, especially the ladies. A poor, old emaciated woman brought her mite to the hospital yesterday, and asked permission of Dr. Hicks to deliver it to the sick. She manifested great sympathy for them, and on leaving expressed an intention, not only to contribute hers, but to ask of her wealthier neighbors, for their benefit, she refused anything in return for it, saying they should have all she had; so much for the ladies. When at home not long since, I noticed the greatest interest manifested by them in various ways, in Copiah and Hinds. I brought a trunk well packed with clothing, matrasses, &c., the result of the labors of the "Utica Sewing Society," to the boys for their comfort; were these of no real benefit, it would console and encourage the brave boys in their great undertaking, yet they are, and may cause many to return again to their often thought of homes, who, but for just such might have been left behind when our time shall have arrived for departure from the tented field. Great kindness has been manifested by the ladies generally since we left home, even in east Tennessee. At Knoxville, Brownlow's town, the ladies prepared for 3 or 4 companies while detained there en route for this place; but for them, the boys had suffered, having been ordered too suddenly to prepare food. All these things have done more to revive them than one would imagine, the many boquets thrown them as they passed the streets, &c.

I did not design taxing you with all this when I began. I merely intended informing your many readers, who wish to know our movements as we progress. I would state before closing that a portion of our Regiment was called out yesterday to quell the insurrection of a Company of Louisiana wild cats, who I judge passed through your town not long since, they were insubordinate laying waste with whatever came in their way. Some sickness, nothing serious.

Yours, &c.

Lieut. M. R. Jones.