Augusta: Jacob C. Armentrout to Kate Armentrout,
April 22, 1862
Summary:
Jacob tells Kate about troop movements around Winchester and throughout the
Valley, changes in the leadership of the 5th Virginia Regiment, and recent
desertions. He also includes news about family members. The beginning of the
letter is unclear.
Dear Sister,
[illeg.]we were on picket about two [illeg.] in the [unclear: morning] we suppose the object of the
picket was to stop stragglers for the tenth Regiment came across upon the same road consequently
the enemy could not leave unexpected. We left Rude's Hill the 11th & camped near the Spring. Abe, Hunter, John & I
stopped
all night at Aunt's She was
very much distressed at the thought of the advance of the enemy the people in
general were rioting about in the utmost confusion not knowing their personal
fate if they stayed nor the fate of their property if they left. Uncle
Cyrus sold some cattle in town & on his return,
he & his three sons met the Brigade they had their horses &
equipments
[page 2]
expecting to join their company at Richmond they certainly
had but little time to escape for the enemy's cavalry
were at the Spring the next morning. Ashby killed several in Mr. Lincon's
wheat-field it is said Cousin John & Albert
took dinner at home the next day. They say the enemy did not disturb any citizen
but took several horses.
The Brigade was strongly averse to leaving the [deleted: leaving] the valley out of the fifth Regiment about 170 men deserted. Three or Four of our company.
It is the general belief that we will return to the valley as we are being
reinforced some here & reported that troops are being transported to
Staunton. Last night Colonel Hearmon brought action to the Regiment
& departed for home Colonel Baylor takes
command being elected yesterday evening. Captain
[unclear: Hunk] of Winchester was elected Lieutenant
Colonel & Captain
Williams Major. Lieutenant Rosse's time having expired
he expects to return home in a few days says he will take
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letters for
the company. I went to tell cousin George of the
opportunity of sending a letter home but found he was on guard John Fauber told me to tell Sue he is well
& would like to write home. It was rumored in camp that the enemy was in
Staunton a few days ago but that was false for General Jackson from Alleghany
was at head quarters and reported that he was holding his position.
Mr [unclear: Glenn] & Mr Shelly are well this morning & appeared to be very well satisfied. I do not wish any thing at present & not until we are located for I have just as much as I can attend to, Uncle Cyrus buried another son lately his name I have forgotten. Mary is very poorly yet & doubtful whether she will recover. Give my love to all I am very well contented & think as little of home as possible. I have a vial of powder I will try to send to Pa by Lieutenant.
I remain your affectionate brother,
J.C. Armentrout
