Augusta County: James W. Gabbert to Mary C. Baylor,
July 24, 1862
Summary:
Gabbert writes to Mary Baylor about the terrible things he saw during and after
the battle in Malvern Hill in early July.
Mary C. Baylor, Summerdean, Augusta Co, Va Camp near Gordonsville Va
July 24 '62
Friend Mary:
you are doubtless thinking that I have forgot you but I assure you that I have not, and have had so much fighting and hard
marching to do since we come over here that I haven't had time to do anything. I
suppose you have heard all about the fighting in the papers, better than I can
tell you, it beat all the fights that I ever was in. I could stand in place and
count fifty dead yankees without moving out of my tracks some of them wasn't
buried for five [illeg.] days and some
wasn't buried at all I don't believe. The Battle
field was a horrible sight. To hear the wounded and dying moaning and calling
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for water and for some one to
take them away. We laid
right in amongst the dead & wounded in the field
that night it was the dreadfulest night I ever spent. Captain W H Randolph was killed dead and John Bowers & James
[illeg.] also was killed dead. Lieutenant
W H McKinney was wounded after the fight was over by accident. We was left
without a officer Charlie had to take command. I
couldn't give you a full account of it for it would take one too long. Lieutenant Carson has got back we left him at
[unclear: Brower's] Gap he is in command and our company is getting
small now all that is over thirty five years is getting off that didn't volunteer or reenlist. I
reckon Berry [unclear: Bonty] will get off today or tomorrow if every
thing goes right. All the Boys is well as [unclear: common] we had
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many away sick. [illeg.] got back the other day and John
[unclear: Buret] got back yesterday. I got a letter from home
yesterday evening I havent heard from my [unclear: Duck] for some time I
expect she has forgotten me but I hope not give her my [illeg.] when you
see her. Charles W. McGuffin is here - he got back
some time ago. You ought to see us making black berry pies and eating them I
would like to be up there eat some that you bake for I expect you can beat us.
There is plenty of Blackberries over here the fields is full of them that is all
there is over here we are camped about five miles from Gordonsville. we have a
firstrate camp I expect we will stay here awhile if the yankees dont run us out
- we come up on the [illeg.] C.H.
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and marched from there
here. we had a fine shower of rain yesterday morning I must close as it is
getting most [unclear: dinner] time write as soon as you can and give me
all the news for I am always glad to hear from you. Give my [illeg.] all
inquiring friends and take a portion yourself. Direct your letter to
Gordonsville, Jackson's Division 1st Brigade 5th Regiment Va [illeg.]
nothing more at present but still remain
but still remain your old friend as ever
James W. Gabbert
