Bob is with him; Big Sewell Mountain campaign; horse trading; needs pants and overcoat; tired of camp life

Green Sulpher Springs
Fayette County Oct 12^th/61

My Dear Father

I have just written to Maria in which I stated I was well & thus to let you know the same but as I have a little leisure, I would give you the news.  Bob is now with me sleeping & eating & doing well. I wish frequently for James was also – making the trio perfect.  We expected about a week ago to have an engagement on Big Sewell Mountain their strength was about 15,000 ours 12,000 commanded by Genls. Lee & Loring  any preparation was made (?), for three or four miles were made - our men almost slup upon their army, every time was considered the sound for Battle you could see them by thousands, their tents whitened the Hills when to our great astonishment, they left last Sunday night in great confusion leaving a great deal of camp equipage which we secured.  I don’t know whether they have fled.  We are now trying to cut them off.  Lee behind & Floyd in front & when this is effected to muster a charge upon them whip them of course & then I am coming home to see you.  Also for I am tired of camp life to some degree.  The particular objection, I’ll tell when I see you later on.  We will go through Raleigh County & go on towards Charlestown.

I hope my horse got home safely for if he had stayed here he would have died from excitement, not been able to stand the firing of cannon & muskets. I bought a horse from Asa Brown when he was down. Sold it, bought a mule, sold it & now have a fine large Roam mare making some $20 clear in the trades. I wish you would send or have Specker sent back. Thus he might be tried for desertion. I think the usual punishment might be inflicted if he is ever caught & I hope is mild.
Grosclose is here & is very well & says Specker persuaded him to leave. (Just sleep of this). I have no more news. I sent word by Will Phelps that I wanted a strong pair of pants (cheap) & my over coat I forgot to write to Maria about it tell Wythe to attend to it. I want the over coat made with large cape & buttoned on & made in military style the cape to have buttons on it. Don't trouble yourself about it. Tell Mother to have them sent to me. I hope you will continue to improve. Write you & Mother & give me the news &

Bless me ever your
dutiful son
S C Gleaves