I am Captain Sonny Bishop, commander of our unit.
Updated: March 30, 2007
Picture Courtesy of Tinker Creek Images
March 30, 1861
Gentlemen of the Gallant 28th,
May I first congratulate and applaud you all for your professionalism and eagerness at our Camp of Instruction. It was good to see that you all have fared so well during our long absence in winter quarters. I know that each man of you looks forward to the coming campaign season where we may shake off the dust of our idleness and once again form the phalanx in preparation to meet and drive our foe.
I welcome our new recruits who mustered in Amherst to the ranks as they fill the vacant files left from last year’s campaigning. May we welcome them and treat them as brothers to forge bonds stronger than steel as our bond is forged from the rigors of many fields taken, many campfires shared, and much fellowship in common cause. I know that these men will serve valiantly and proud, worthy of the 28th Virginia and all of those who have gone before us.
Gentlemen, may we gather ourselves together next on the fields of Liberty, VA where we will prepare to receive and repulse our determined foe. May we ourselves determine that he shall not long taint our native soil and harass our people. Gather yourself at Liberty by the evening of the 27th of April. May you travel safely and go with God until we may again be gathered together around our sacred fires and banners.
Your Humble and Obedient Servant,
Captain Bishop
28th VA Inf, Commanding