After The Battle of First Bull Run: "War Is Likely To Continue For Some Time."

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Confederate officer's letter, 4pp. 4to., written by 1st Lt. Abner Newton Steele, [KIA Glendale, Va., June 30, 1862], Co. G (North Port Rifles), 11th Alabama Infantry, "Manassas Junction, Va., Aug. 4, 1861," to his wife Eleanor Caroline (Thompson) Steele (1825-1906), in part: "…by this time you have heard of the great battle at this place…I understand that the citizens and newspapers are expecting another great move…but my own opine and…most of the officers…[is] that the fighting in this part is over…for some time…though…the forces at this place are advancing toward the Potomac…we hear a thousand and one reports every day…our whole regiment is crippled with the measles. Our company reports thirty-six on the sick list this morning…old Charles has had them very severely…I kept him in my tents and taken as good care of him as possible…is better today…Peter [Sgt. Peter K. Thomson, his nephew] is well and stands it fine. Tell James he knead have no uneasiness about him. He is a very prudent boy of his age. He will not suffer himself led off by bad company. He has contracted no bad habits and is very particular to ask my advice when necessary and will not engage in any thing that is ungentlemanly…I wrote you that I expected to be at home Christmas but Capt. McMast says he is compelled to go at that time and we cant both go at once…if the boys about North Port are in the notion of raising a company and going to War and will elect me Captain of it and [they are] sure not to back out. I will resign here…go home and bring them on. I know all the ropes now…nor been taken by the Yankees. At the end of this year. If the war is likely to continue for some time I think of hiring out all hands, boarding the girls out. Send Dick & Charley to their Grandpas and renting a house in Richmond and bring you and Vaughan on there…I picked out several nice little Residences when I was there. Capt. Joseph E. McMath [WIA Salem Church, Va., 5/03/63] will go into the arrangement with me…a great many citizens from Ala. visited their friends after the battle. [future Confederate General] John [C. C.] & William Sanders think their father [Dr. Charles P. Sanders] will come…soon. The captain has wrote home to have another uniform made for the company…I want you to send me…my black pants a pair of brown homespun (put black stripes on them). A pair of boots…get some collared shirts…A. N. Steele." Also included is the original transmittal cover. Minor spotting, else VG.

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