Augusta County: Benjamin Franklin Cochran to His
Mother, June 23, 1861
Summary:
B.F. Cochran tells about capturing two Union officers and about burning
Confederate property to keep it out of Union hands.
Mother
June the 23 1861
Martinsburg
Dear Mother
I am now writing on a bucket turned wrong side up. I sent a letter up to by Mr. [unclear: Garber] did you get it.
We caught two of the enemy last week. One of them a lieutenant Colonel and
another officer we are encamped within eight miles of the enemy and expect a fight every moment the
other day when our troops were coming here they passed through Martinsburg by
orders of the general they burned at least one hundred thousand dollars worth of
cars for fear the enemy would get possession of them. I
wish you would pack my gun up and send it down to Waynesboro and direct Mr. King
to give it to Captain Patrick when he starts back to
the army send my powder and flask with it you need not send the shot pouch.
about twenty of our company
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are armed with
[unclear: carbines] and we cannot get any more and I would like to have
my gun you must direct your letters to Winchester if you wish to see what part
of Va we are in look on the map of Va at the north-east part in Berkley County and you will see directly across the
river a small town named Williamsport we are eight miles this side of there
Federal troops are quartered there the number we know not.
When was the last time you heard from Johnie and how was he
I am well and hope to find [added: you the same.] Give my respect to all.
Benjamin Franklin Cochran
P.S. I wish you would send me a dispatch once in a while to read.
