Augusta: G. W. Peace to Alexander Hugh Holmes
Stuart, July 27, 1861
Summary:
Peace writes to Stuart from Manassas and describes the recently concluded First
Battle of Bull Run. He also asks for supplies and news of his family.
Honorable
Alexander Hugh Holmes Stuart
Staunton
Politeness
of
Mr
Weaver
M
r
Alexander Hugh Holmes Stuart
July 27th [added: 1861]
Manassas Junction
Dear Sir
I I Drop you a few lines to let you know how we are getting along I have no Doubt you have already heard of the Battle we had Down here we had quite a lively
time of I can tell you The Enemy have A largely
superior force to ours some times During the fight They
had at least 5 To one against us nothing but The providence of God saved us our
loss in killed and wounded will from what I can learn Reach from 15 hundred To
Two Thousand our killed
probably will Reach 4 or 5 hundred The enemy's loss is frightful They have been Burying
theirevery Day since The fight and They
[page 2]
A great many laying on The Bloody field yet
and [added: in] Their flight they Even tore one another to Death. The panic
was such that [added: They] could not carry off any of Their splendid Equipments. They all fell
into our hands. we captured about sixty splendid cannon
and ammunition Enough to last through an active
campaign Their Rout was complete They left wagons and everything and Traveled off as fast as Their legs could carry them
Our cavalry pursuing them for fifteen miles and
only left off pursuing When tired of slaughter Their Dead men laying in heaps on
the field of Battle - it will certainly Teach Them A lesson That [added: They] will not soon forget: They cannot Trample upon us
with impunity
I hope and pray that Reason may have her sway again and such A terrible war as This may be stopped before our country is Ruined beyond Redemption May God grant it.
My health has been very good Since I last saw you I hope sir This may[deleted: y] find you and family well please write me A few lines and Tell me how my family are getting along The last letter I Received from Them my oldest child was very Cold and I have been unable To get
letters from Them Brother William was here yesterday he told when he last saw my
family. my child was better I will also ask another favor of you if it not Too
much Trouble please send me by Mr
[unclear: Weaver] who will Return in 6 or 8 Days - 3 pounds of Chewing Tobaco
[deleted: and] and some
[page 4]
Letter paper with Envelope and
charge to my account but I will tell you so I will close [deleted:
[illeg.]
] tell your Lady I hope she has had quite A Pleasant Time at Rose
[unclear: Banks] This Summer in spite of the War
Respectfuly
G W Peace
