Henderson, John, fl. 1863
As soon as governor
Swain
heard of the order of Colonel
Preston which had for its object the
conscription of the Seniors — the lower classes are not to be
disturbed — he immediately repaired to
Raleigh where a meeting of
the
trustees was hastily called together. Gov.
Graham
was
appointed to wait upon president
Davis with the request that he would suffer
the Seniors to remain until the conclusion of their academic term. A series of
resolutions was drawn up by the
board of trustees in which the president was
informed that the people of
North Carolina would greatly regret to see the exercises
of the
institution either suspended or
discontinued. A committee of which governor was the chairman was then requested
to wait upon general
Holmes
and to ask him to postpone all action in the premises until the pleasure of the
president was made known and this he very kindly consented to do.
Page [2]
It is not known yet what has been the result of
Governor
Graham's
mission; but no one not even governor
Swain
seems to think that it
will be crowned with success. The governor promises to communicate promptly to
the class the earliest information that he may receive on the subject; so that
at the least we will be a few days in advance of the enrolling officer. I may be
taken away from here any day however you speak to me of joining the Rowan
Artillery and yet again of going to
Tim Guion. If I had gone down to
Raleigh last week I should have made
application to join the Artillery (Rowan) though I dont believe I would have
been permitted to select my own company. I wish you would write me word
immediately where you desire me to go. I certainly do not wish to enter
infantry; I thought of entering the cavalry; the want of a horse is a serious
impediment. If however I am refused permission to join the artillery branch and
granted leave to go to the cavalry I shall certainly not enter the infantry; for
I doubt not
father would sell
one of his trifling negroes to be able to properly accoutre his son for the war
Stephen has no intention
of going to the army. I received the money after a reasonable delay. I am not
only willing but anxious to serve my country on the tented field and you may
rest assured that your son will not falter in
Page [3]
the
presence of the foe. I hate to say it but do you know I believe
Ed. Shaver has gone over to the
Yankees. I have little need of candles. I visit the ladies
every night; but even they do not light candles to entertain their
guests. A brilliant fire repeatedly replenished with light-wood serves every
purpose. My shyness has worn off a great deal and I can sometimes carry on very
long conversations without the least flagging. The ladies generally are afraid
to talk with me. They say my phraseology is too refined and pompous for their
narrow understandings and I have been advised to carry a pocket dictionary and I
fortunately have one in my possession. This is all very well if the ladies cant
understand me it is none of my look out. I am accounted a sage whereas I am
entitled to no such high honour. Love to all.