I am by no means a Civil War historian, but read with interest your query about Camp Davis Ford. I have a letter from my great-grandmother's brother, William H. Purser that originated from that camp. He was also in 12th Mississippi. It reads:

Camp Davis Ford Near Manassas Junction, Feb the 4, 1862

Dear Brother,

Your kind letter came to hand eight days after you wrote it. I was glad to hear that you were all well, Dock. I have not much news to write at present only there is a great deal of cold bad weather here. There has been snow on the ground for about a month. Snow falls here a half leg deep in some places. We had pretty cold time of it standing on guard. Dock, I have not got my furlough yet. I have not heard anything of it. I expect that they will be ______. There was one of our company got his about three weeks ago and several others out of this Regiment A. I cannot tell what was the reason that we did not get ours for we were about the first that enlisted in the Regiment. Well our time is nearly out and I reckon that we will go home them - that is if we can. But if we are needed I am willing to stay here but if I get my furlough I will take it and come home for a short time. When I wrote to you before I expected to be at home now. Dock, tell your sister Melissa Coor that I got the blanket and socks that she sent to me. Tell her that I am much obliged to her for them. I got them from Charles over at Centreville. Dock you said in your letter that you got a letter from John when you received mine. When you write to him again give him my best respect and love and tell him that he must write to me. I have never have heard from him nor Mary nor Inghram since I left home. Tell him I don't know where he is – he knows where I am here in old Virginia with her light device the loftiest motto that ever blazed up and Warriors Shield or a nation arm. Dock I sent a Bull Run pipe by William Bondurant to Aunt Adeline Purser. I told him to give it to Uncle Fred. I never had time to write to Uncle Fred to tell him to give it to Aunt Adeline. I know that he don't smoke and Dock I want you to tell Liz that I would like for her to write to me since she has got married. Dock, tell Ann to keep the old Turkey hen until she sees me coming and let her get as tough as beef and then she will be about right. I have not saw Charles in about two or three months Dock. I want you to write to me as soon as you get this. I like very much to be at home now. I cannot tell when I will be at home. Dock this leaves me well at present. I hope that it will find you all the same. Nothing more at present. Write to me without fail and I will answer you every time. I remain your true friend.

s/ William H. Purser

I hope this helps.