The following is a letter from Levi and Charles A. Padgett to their mother, Phoebe Rominger Padgett,
daughter of Rosena and aunt of Mrs. Joyner and Mrs. Roddick. The letter was written while on the march
with Lee’s army just before Gettysburg. Charles was captured during the battle, and after being paroled
made his home in Indiana with the Clouse family. This letter was found in the pages of the old Rosena
Clauss Rominger Bible which was once in the possession of Mrs. Zeno Padgett of Burney, Indiana.
Camp near ?, Pa June 28, 1863
Dear Affectionate Mother: It is with pleasure that I take my pen in hand to let you know me and Levi are
still alive and enjoying good health. But I am worn out with marching. We have been marching for 13
days. We are in Pennsylvania. We got in here yesterday evening. We are in the good old Union again. I
would have written but did not have the chance for marching. We have done some hard marching and will
have to march the best part of the summer we believe. I have seen a great deal. On this march we have
come through Maryland and into Pennsylvania--one day’s travel. I don’t know how long we still will march
but I hope this war will soon come to a close, for I can’t tell you how bad I want to see you and talk with
you. Levi is here with me this beautiful Sunday morning, and Levi just got a letter from you dated the 19th
and we were both glad to hear from you and to hear that you were all well so no more for the present.
I remain your true son. C. A. Padgett to P. Padgett
Direct your letter to Richmond, Va. as you have been doing. I must tell you that I received your letter just
as I finished this. A few lines from Levi.
Dear Mother;
I was glad to hear from you all this beautiful Sabbath morning and I hope when these line come
to hand that they may find you all well and doing well.
(Source: These letters were extracted from a Clauss/Clouse history which is on file at the MESDA center
in Winston-Salem, NC.)
Levi and Charles A. Padgett
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