I Cannot Forsake The Path of Duty To Which My Country Calls Me.

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/27/2020

War-date Confederate non-commissioned officer's letter, 3pp. 4to., written by Sergeant Major Mann Page [WIA Cedar Mountain, Va., Aug. 9, 62], 21st Virginia Infantry, Winchester, [Virginia], Feb. 22, 1862, to his uncle, David Copeland Randolph, reading, in part: "…after getting to Romney…remaining there for two weeks we had to fall back to this place as the road between this place & R. [was] so bad that we could not get provisions & also because we had too small army to hold the places there were many roads leading to our rear. I left here day before yesterday and went…to Cousin Betty Randolph's wedding…after the marriage a large party of young folks went to New Market where we spent a most delightful evening. Cousins Robt. & Lucy were delighted to see me and asked a great many questions about you & my aunts…they are sweet people also paid a visit next day to Mary & Lucy Page…they too asked after you…we expect to leave this place in a few day…our camp is about three miles from town. I am now writing at Mr. Meridith's as the weather is so bad that it is almost impossible to write in our tents…for we were…now in tents ankle deep in mud and…we leave here, we go to Manassas where the mud is knee deep…I would have enlisted and taken a furlough but I do not think I could leave just now…and besides that I ink I can do better service by remaining here and {I] have got the men to reenlist…I have a great deal of influence with the men in my Regt. I do not know that I shall be able to come to see you…before my time is out (21st of April, my birthday)…for our country wants more men than she has now in the field…I cannot forsake the path of duty to which my country calls me…we have been too idle, waiting to see what England & France were going to do…I hope the stay at home…will now come and take their places with their brothers…in the field and let us drive back the invaders…I will never live to see the day when the North shall say that they have us in their power. Let every True Southern man imitate the example set by O. J. Wise, fight 'em!….Fight always…if ever I live to get through this war I mean to take a good long furlough and spend some time with you all before I resume business…Copelnd has gone on furlough, Frank Irving, Arhcy Page &…all beg to be remembered to you & Aunt H…Mann Page…". Near fine.

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