Buckle Town Va
July 3rd 1861
Dear Doc
I just have time to inform you that we are now upon the verge of a desperate battle-we had a fight yesterday. We retreated after a desperate stand of an hour. We took 80 prisoners, killed as reported 125-we only had 3000 men-the enemy from 12 to 15000 -we have been reinformation and now ready to meet Patterson-I have seen a little and to now God only knows what
the result will be. We are quite surprised. The enemy is advancing on us six and now 5 miles apart - we have taken our stand over in "Dixie Land”. We will take our stand and live & die in Dixie Land.
I have seen the Zouaves a very good looking set of men. They all say they were forced to volunteer. We have gallent men at our head, Col. Jackson our comander was in the battle and taking notes when the bulls & gossip were flying-I don't know when I again will
write to you, I just have time to write this sitting near my gun, ready to take it up at any alarm Should any accident happen me Please attend to me. Your Brother Farewell. My love to all
We are ordered to march-I know not where-
Farewell
JTG
[? James T Gleaves Jr
Civil War]
Note: “[? James T Gleaves Jr Civil War]” in Dr. Chitwood’s handwriting.
This fight refers to the Battle of Falling Waters on July 2, 1861. See here for more information.