Three page letter penned by Lt. James T. Hardy of Co. K, 11th Virginia Infantryfrom the company's encampment three miles from Suffolk during Longstreet's siege of that city in April 1863. Hardy writes "We are daily expecting an attack from them but I fear not the result for an army such as we have here commanded by such a general as General Longstreet is hard to subdue. We are strongly fortified at this place." He goes on, "you cannot tell how tired I am of this war and would be glad if they would come to a favorable compromise but as I have stood it this long, I am determined to fight as long as anyone else."

Lt. Hardy fought for 13 more months, surviving Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg, but falling on the field at Drury's Bluff in May, 1864.

Transcript:
Headquarters 11th Va. Volunteers
April the 29th 1863
According to promise and agreeable thereto, I take the opportunity of writing you a few lines although I have nothing of particular interest to write. We are camped in about three miles of Suffolk, right in front of the enemy. We have been in a line of battle all the time since I came to the company and daily expecting an attack from them but I fear not the result for an army such as we have here commanded by such a general as General Longstreet is hard to subdue. We are strongly fortified at this place.
This is a very pretty country—thickly settled and the inhabitants are remarkably kind to us. They have been in the hands of the Yankees so long that they are glad to see a southern soldier.
I have not seen brother Will since I came back. He was left at South Key [Quay] when the regiment left and has not joined the company yet. The health of the company is very good and they are in good spirits and eager for the enemy to make an attack. We had a hard skirmish with them on last Friday but succeeded in driving them back into the fortifications.
I wish the first time you see Mrs. Walker you would tell her that I had Lige’s obituary 1 written and did not know what paper she took and we thought the best thing we could so with it would be to send it to her and then she could have it published in any paper she might think proper. Tell her also that Capt. [David] Houston 2 says he will take the first opportunity he has to draw his money and will send it to her.
Since I commenced writing this letter, an order came in camp that the enemy will no doubt attack us early tomorrow morning and we must be ready to meet them. You cannot tell how tired I am of this war and would be glad if they would come to a favorable compromise but as I have stood it this long, I am determined to fight as long as anyone else.
I must bring this short and badly written letter to a close. Please excuse bad writing and spelling. Give my respect to all the family. I hope you will remember me in your prayers. I remain your friend, — James T. Hardy
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