Franklin County: Peter Boyer to his father, Peter
Boyer, December 29, 1862
Summary:
Boyer describes battles throughout northern Virginia and reports that half a
company was missing after one fight.
Peter Boyer
December 29th, 1862
Dear Father
I take the present opportunity to let you know that I am enjoying perfect good health hoping these few lines may find you and all the rest enjoying similar blessings
Further I let you know that we had a narrow escape but I got safe out of the
scrape. We were attacked by the Rebels about 6 miles on the other side of the
Occaquan River and had to retreat and
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we retreated back accross the river and we seen
that their force was to strong and we were driven back
about 14 miles to this side of the River and they camped about 8 miles from
where we did this morning However they took another course and went towards
Fairfax so we are safe at present. But about half of our company is missing The
rebel force was about 8000 men infantry Cavalry and Artillary and our force was only 500 cavalry and I don't believe
that we brought back 250 men
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I seen a horse fall that was shot dead
under the man but I did not see what become of the man as I went on in such a
rate that I could not see how it went and about Cyrus Engle I think he is safe
also as he was seen retreating about [illeg.] miles this side of where
we are now I think probably that he is at Alexandria about 6 miles farther ahead
than where we are which would make him still safer I hope to see him one of
these days This is all I can write about
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these matters at present so
no more at present Hoping to hear from you soon I am your most dutiful son, etc.
Peter Boyer
N B-- Give all of my respects to my
inquiring friends and you will oblige your Son.
P Boyer
