Report of Big Sewell happenings; concerns for Father’s health; sickness in Wythe men; horse trading

                  at M Cabels, Greenbrier County
                   October 15th 1861
  
Dear Father
     I reached here last night to see some sick men sent from Big Sewell, where we expected a fight a few days since.  Our army is now on its way to Raleigh CH en route to the Kanian Valley.  Genl Lee is still at Big Sewell  The object being to get in rear of the Enemy & cut off their supplies.  From last information there are but few Yankees in the Valley being gone to defend their homes which are now threatened by the Ketuckians if such is the case we will take Charleston without firing a gun-establish winter quarters & then I will come home for I am more than anxious to see you all,  Mr Allen told me you was better  I hope & trust you will continue to improve  and pray take good care of yourself.  Dont expose yourself this winter & by proper care I hope wlll quickly improve.  Say to Mother I have written to her several times & recd no answer & Wythe-particularly for Mother is excusable   I have no news in addition to what you know.  There are a great many sick I am kept very busy

Some of our Wythe men are quit sick Joseph Sharity & Foglesong have been very bad   The Fathers of whom I have written to   Capt Cook is also sick but better-& will be well in short time.  The health of my Regiment is better than either of the others.  The N Carolins, Georgins, & Missipins are suffering very much not being acclimated & suppese is chief cause
     I suppose my horse is at home.  I had to send him   I purchased another  sold it & then bought a mule which I again sold for $160-giving $140-but I found it didnt suit my long legs & drops mud   I have now a splendid roan mare belonging to the Confederate States which I ride-  Write whenever you can   I write to Maria a few days since  let her know I am well-
                          Inf
                                       Your son,
                                         SCGleaves
(PS)  If possible I want all my Negroes hired out except cris   I hear Harris is doing no good & whoever hires tell Wythe to require board & relible security
 
Bob is well & looking better than I ever saw him                             SCGleaves