Melvin Dwinnell was a Yankee with sentiments to the South. He was born in East Calasis, Vermont, on July 9, 1825. After graduating from the University of Vermont in 1849 he moved to Georgia in 1851 to teach school. He went on to be the publisher of the Rome Courier before joining the army at the start of the war.

Dear Parents - It is quite a long time since I have written you as these are exciting times it is not improbable that you are anxious to hear from me. Our company volunteered for the war and we left home on the 27 of May. The day before leaving I wrote to you and the same sent my minature taken in my military Dress. I hope you received both. We came immediately on to Virginia. Stopt seven days I believe in Richmond, were mustered into service - I as 2nd Lieut. and then came on to Winchester. The last 18 miles we marched between 10 A.M. and 6 o'clock P.M.; the first real hardship was endured. I tell you there were many weary legs and sore feet that night in our Regiment - (the 8th Ga.). This was June 6th. On Sunday the 9th we took the cars for Harpers Ferry: remained at that place until Saturday the 21st and then commenced a march in this direction. We marched 12 miles the first day and slept in the open air as we had done the two nights previous. The next day Sunday we marched 18 miles in the direction of Martinsburg where we expected to encounter the enemy, camped that night at Bunkersville 8 miles from Martinsburg where Gen. Patterson with 8000 or 10,000 Federal troops was reported to be encamped. The next day Monday we were drawn up in line of battle and thought a fight was certain in less than two hours, but it seems that both armies turned from each other about the same time. We then came to near this place where we have remained ever since except on July 2nd we started again to meet the enemy at Martinsburg where Patterson commanded about 10,000. I cannot tell you our number but this is certain, if there was any lack in numbers is was made up in "pluck." We offered them battle for four days which not being accepted we then returned. We marched to within a mile of M. where Patterson force was, where we halted at noon on the 3rd, marched back on Sunday the 7th a distance of 18 miles. We are encamped in a beautiful grove one mile from Winchester, have good water, are well fed, well clothed, lodge in good canvass tents and are in every way as comfortable as possible under the circumstances. The rough life agrees with me finely and I am getting fat at it. If not prohibited I would like to give you some statistics of military strength and preparations in our new Republic. I will merely say this much which I fully believe, viz: It would be as easy for Abe Lincoln to reduce the White Mountains to the level of the ocean as to conquer these states and then it would do him quite as much good when accomplished. We are in the valley of Va. the richest farming country I have ever seen. The wheat here is just harvested and is an excellent crop. Give my love to all relatives and enquiring friends and accept my hearts warmest affections for yourselves. If I have relatives in the Federal army please inform me.

Your afft. Son Melvin

P. S. Please answer immediately, directing the letter to me "care of Capt. Magruder 8th Ga. Regiment, Winchester, Va." then put in another envelope containing 20 cts in stamps and direct the outside one to "B Whitesides, Franklin Ky." If I get an answer to this I will write often. [This was the method, at this time, of sending mail across the lines.]

Battle Ground near Manassas Junction
July 24, 1861

Dear Parents- On last Sunday I was in the midst of one of the hardest fought battles that has ever occurred in America. I am without a scratch or even a bullet hole in my clothes. Five of our men fell dead by my side - four were mortally wounded - and six or eight more severely. It seems a miracle that I escaped unharmed. The Confederates Army was victorious and completely routed Lincoln's forces. We took 64 cannon of the best kind, 100 heavy baggage waggons, about 600 prisoners and drove the enemy back some 12 or 15 miles and would have pursued them to Washington but our men gave out from sheer exhaustion.

Your Aft. Son Melvin

Dear Parents: I have only time to write a few lines and no paper to write on. My health is perfect. We are now awaiting the reorganization of our Regiment and Brigade. Our troops never were so confident of success, and there are enough now in the field to repell any force that may invade Confederate soil. I did not expect to come out of the battle of 21st inst. [First Manassas] alive but thank God I am still well and ready to strike again for the just cause in which I am engaged. If I should meet any of my relatives on the field in Lincoln's army they will be considered as my enemies and treated as such. My hole heart is with the South. Several Brothers have already met in the opposing armies. The scenes are affecting but the Southerners have never to my knowledge flinched from their patriotic duty. Give my love to such of my relatives as care for the regards of a "rebel" if there be such; accept my warmest love for yourselves and Brothers & Sisters nephews and Nieces.

Your son Melvin

Dear Mother: My health is now good, and has been, generally, since I wrote you last. I still belong to Co. A. 8th Reg. - am now 1st Lieut. A letter directed to my Co. and Reg. Richmond Va. might reach me. Remember me kindly to all relatives and friends and accepts my hearts warmest affections for yourself and my dear Father.

Your Afth. Son, Melvin

Camp 8th Ga. Reg. near Fredericksburg, Va.
Feb 4th, 1863

Dear Mother: My health is still good and I have thus far escaped the casualties of war. In the Battle here on the 13th ultimo our company lost one man killed and one other seriously wounded. A man from another Reg. was shot in the head while I was handing him some cartridges. We were under heavy fire all day, yet none of our men were actively engaged except our skirmishes. Hoping that the same merciful Providence that has hitherto watched over and protected me will be continued.

I remain your Afth. Son Melvin