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 News of battle & results; weight lose; good crops

  • » Date: 1861-07-13
  • » Subject: News of battle & results; weight lose; good crops
  • » Written By: James Turk Gleaves Jr
  • » Addressed To: Major James Turk Gleaves Sr
  • » Transcriber: Virginia Melton
  • » File # 27

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Winchester VA
July 13th 1861

Dear Father and Mother,

     I received your very welcome letter some few days ago. I was sorry to hear that you both were not as well as usual. Hoping that this may find you in better health is the prayer of an affectionate son. I hope you do not censure me for not writing more frequently. Father knows what uncertainly of movement a soldier lives in. You are to know nothing but to obey and this being the case, I rarely have an opportunity of ever writing. We have met the enemy in one battle near the River. We were 3000 whilst the enemy numbered from 10 to 12,000. We fought them with this great odds killing some 123, and taking prisoners some 84. We lost on our side 3 killed, 4 wounded. This then is how the game is being played---of course with this great diference in numbers, we had


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finally to retreat. We retreated some 6 miles from where the fight occurred and formed our selves in battle like, but the cowardly devils would not advance so we still continue our march to this place where we have been very active in throwing up fortifications. Whilst I was not immediately in the fight, I can say that I saw


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reason why I think I can do so well. I see from the papers, that the Doc has received an appointment in Floyd Brigade. I do not understand why the Doc will accept any position when the state of your's and Mother's health is such. I think he will be more needed at home than in the army, But it may be all for the best. I suppose Floyd's Brigade will operate in this section of the State. Up in certain counties a camp force ought to be keep as the people are so strong for Republicans. They have even in this section election their State Senators two Black Republicans. I suppose the soldiers will soon draw their pay. The officers are making out the list of names re our state in great need of it. The crops are very fine in this region of country, I never seen better wheat crops in any country. Every thing seems to be in the greatest abundance and can be purchased at a reasonable price. I wish I could get some of Mother's good butter milk. I can't get any here, as so many are inquiring


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If we stay here any time, I can write frequently home. Please say to Wythe, I received his letter and to write again. I think he has had time to recover. Jackson might write too- Samuel Crockett is very well and stands the campaign as well as any man in it. He is a good soldier. Write as soon as you can.

Farewell---

Your Affectionate
Son, Jas T. Gleaves Jr

R. H. GLEAVES
R. H. GLEAVES

T M Gannaway
R T. M. Gannaway
Dr. S. C. Gleaves

Transcriber Notes

The battle referred to in this letter was probably Hoke's Run, Falling Water, Hainesville, WVa, July 2, 1861

For more about the Battle of Hoke's Run, see these links:

Pictures from Harper's Weekly

Description of the Battle

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