Archibald Nixon enlisted on March 25, 1862. He was 39 years old at the time. He was a farmer. His first letter to his wife, Susannah Norwood Nixon, was dated May 18, 1862 and was written at Camp Mangum. At this time he had been in the army less than two months.

His mood at this time seems to be upbeat; he thanks his wife and family for all of the provisions that he has received -- he is glad to get it, but at the time they are receiving "plenty of meat and bread and rice," and they have sold "two barrels of beef." He mentions that "George is mending." There was also a George Nixon* in the company. He may have been a brother or cousin.

Archibald also states that his regiment is all sick, and only he and John Roberson, and James Williamson* are still well.

Colds, measles, and mumps were the scourge of many camps; country folks weren’t used to big crowds, and the communicable diseases that were common in the cities. They would prove to be the most deadly enemy of the war.

Archibald is concerned about seeing that his bills are paid, and that his family has its needs met. He sends his respects to all the neighbors, and mentions to his wife that talk is going around the Camp that when the Conscripts start reporting, that men over the age of 35 will be discharged. He is looking to be home in two months. He closes that letter by telling Susannah he wants to see her and the children, and with a statement that he will close all the rest with... Your Husband till death.

By May 29, still at Camp Mangum, Archibald is sick... with the Mumps! He has received a letter from home and is very happy to get it. Some of his company are on their way to Kinston, NC, but many are still sick, and can’t go. Archibald tells Susannah, that he has had words with a companion and the companion has left the regiment. Apparently this person, unnamed, is a shirker, as Archibald says "he wouldn’t do anything he could help," and he(Archibald) "couldn’t stand it." Another member of the company, "John", has left also. They may have deserted.

Apparently Archibald believes in keeping your word and doing your duty. He is still expecting to get to come home, as he says, "I expect to come home when the ninety days is out." He closes by telling Susannah not to write until she hears from him, telling her where to send her letters, and "so remains your husband till death."

In a June 26, 1862 letter from Camp Johnston, near Kinston, he is still sick, and George is taking the mumps. He has seen a man die from bleeding from his nose and jaw, and saw a man with the "black measles," that also died. He is concerned about rations, he and George had luck in purchasing "as many beans as we could eat for 25 cents," and making pies from Huckleberries. He and George have spent 20 cents for a quart of sweet milk. He says everything is high. He is still concerned about being able to get out of the Army as a result of the conscript act, but has been told that that part of the law or act has been repealed. He asks Susannah to ask a Doctor Johnson about it, and write him back. He tells Susannah to tell Melia, his daughter, to take care of her turkeys, he wants to see her and Monroe, and to be good children.

He writes again, this time from Camp Campbell on the James River in Virginia, near Drewry’s Bluff. He reports going to the cliff, where he can see the steeples in Richmond. He continues to express concern about his family’s welfare, doesn’t want them to be without shoes, wants to know if the cow is with calf, and "how does the hogs look?" He also is thankful that he has a fine new daughter and "that it and you was doing well." He is still looking to come home when the conscripts reported. At no time does he mention being in a battle, but still closes his letter "Your Husband till death."

In August 1862, they are still in Camp Campbell, and have heard other rumors that all men under the age of 18 and over 35 are about to be released from their enlistment. One man even "heard Col. Marshall say so."

The regiment has heard of combat near them, and heard that two men were killed and five wounded. It was 20 miles below their camp and they could hear the cannon.

He says if the Yankees "didn’t mind they will get whop[p]ed worse than they did at Richmond."

George is still sick, but getting better and is able to drill some.

Food is still high, Eight dollars for a bushel of Irish potatoes, and onions from five to thirty cents a piece. Milk is twenty-five cents a quart.

Home sickness is starting to get bad; he longs to see Susannah and all the children. They are the first thoughts in his mind when he awakens.

He reports that a man here shot himself in the wrist, that they had to take his hand off.

On August 20, 1862 the 52nd NC had moved to Petersburg, Va. and established a new camp, Camp French. Brigadier General James Johnston Pettigrew assumed command of the brigade.

Another regiment was added to the brigade, the 26th NC. This regiment would go down in history, as having the highest casualty rate of any regiment on either side, during the war, at the battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania., July 1863.

Archibald writes from this camp on September 7, 1862 that he is well and hopes that Susannah and all the children and parents and other family are also.

He is sad that he hasn’t received any mail in some time. This has come to mean more to him than anything, except wanting to see them.

He must be a Christian, for he tells Susannah, "I hope the Almighty will spare me to get home again to stay with you and the children. I am thankful to Him, for any good health and I hope He will still continue His blessings on us all, for He is able and willing if we ask it at His hand, and we aught not to be ashamed to ask His blessing. I am trying to live right and I pray to Him to be with and I hope He will bless you all." They are eating lots of "restenears" and Brother George is fat, and feeling better.

He sends word home, that one of the Company, David Tucker*, is dead. He was only 22 when he enlisted on March 22, 1862. He mentions James Norwood*, that he is mending, and will be able to take the mail by the last of the week.

Archibald reports that "Jackson is six miles away from Washington City". This is after the battle of Second Mannassas, and just before the battle at Sharpsburg, Maryland.

From October, 1862, until December 16, the 52nd NC spent time on guard duty near Wakefield Virginia, then moved near Franklin, Virginia.

They were involved in some skirmishes with Federal gunboats and a Yankee Cavalry force. In November, 1862, a 300 man force tried to force a crossing at one of the fords, ran off a 20 man picket, and occupied the 52nd’s camp. The rest of the regiment arrived, and drove the Yankees out of the camp.

They remained around Franklin, Va., until December 16, 1862 ,when they were transported by rail to Goldsboro, NC, to defend the Neuse River railroad bridge against a Union force from occupied New Bern under Maj. Gen. John G. Foster.

On December 17, the Confederate force of about 2,000 found itself facing about five times its number. During the confusion of battle, the 52nd NC was fired upon by members of the 51st NC. The Yankees were able to destroy the bridge with artillery fire, and started to withdraw back to New Bern. The 51st and 52nd NC mounted an attack against the rear guard, but faced heavy artillery fire and rifle fire from the infantry while making a charge over an open field. The 52nd NC lost 8 killed, 58 wounded, and 13 missing.

Archibald must have missed this battle, for he writes on December 18, 1862 , "I am going to my regiment tomorrow." He tells Susannah about the Confederate victory at Fred[e]ricksburg, but in this letter doesn’t mention the fight at Goldsboro.

He is concerned about his son, Monroe, trying to plow with a colt.

He sends word to his parents that he would love to see them, and to be able to "eat some of the fresh doings at Christmas" with them.

There is some small pox in the camp, and he wants to see Susannah and the children the "worst that I ever said in my life." He asks for all the news at home, and "remains your husband till death."