Augusta County: J. W. Campbell to Virginia G.
McCormick, December 14, 1861
Summary:
In this letter to his cousin Virginia (also Enos's sister-in-law), J. W. writes
of his experiences in battle, mentioning the death of Captain Anderson and the
wounds of Jemmie Hanger and Jake Cox.
Paid 5 cents
Miss Virginia G. McCormick
Greenville Augusta Co Va
December 14, 1861
Dear cousin
I received my box the 12 I was very glad to get it I would of written yesterday but yesterday morning before sun up
the yankees came on us
They had us
very
near
surrounded
There was three 1000 yankees and about 14,100 of our men
We had two fights the yankees
divided and went two ways
our Regiment was in the ditches I was in front of the
battle the whole time the yankees had the advantage of our men they got
in the tree tops behind logs and behind stumps so that we could not see them when [added:
we
]
would look over the bank they
would shoot at us I was very
near give out when i got to the ditches it was the
first time I had been out any
distance for some time I had [added: no]
orders to go but I went and took good aim at the yankees but I can't say that I
killed
any the balls fell like hail the
yankees killed a good many of
[added: our]
officers
They
killed
[page 2]
Captain
Anderson close at me There is
a good many killed on both sides There is more yankees killed
than is on our side but I can't tell how many is lost on our side we fought
[deleted: from] a bout 6 hours and half
There
[deleted: ut] is none of our company hurt
Jemmie Hanger is a little better this morning he had a bad chill last night Jake Cox is complaining the rest of the boys is well except
bad colds
[deleted: I am a] I feel better this morning than I have felt for some time I have had something like the neuralgia in my head I am
very well pleased with my
shirts and pants I can't tell whether we will come to Staunton or not
They're still talking
about it Please let father have those shoes that I drew in Staunton they are too large for me if there is any
passing to Midway
please send them to Mr Nelson's store I drew a pair of shoes the shoes is good that I brought from
home nothing more at present only remain your
affectionate Cousin until death
J W Campbell
Virginia G MC
