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| Gilmer Letters | Civil War Letters of Russell County |
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Camp Fulkerson Pocahuntas Co. Va Oct. 6th 1861 Dear Uncle I received yours sometime ago and just a few minutes since read one to Reves. I would have written to you before this, but my time was so occupied and being out of paper that I couldn't well write. In writing to you from Moenterey, I said but little about Edmonsons sickness as it was done in haste. He was sick before I went back to wait upon him, he was so low after I got back to him he could not talk much; and being out of his right mind talked none of importance. Sometimes when giving him his medicine he would call me by name; and say something about his taking it, but would not notice me at other times when I would talk to him. Just before he died his appearance was more natural and he looked like he was sensible, but was so weak he could not speak. Before he was taken sick he told me he had no idea of ever getting home, but said nothing about dying. I could not learn from him whether he was willing to die or not; But he is gone; and I hope to the land of the blest he was my messmate the first of the squad to fall; all miss him and mourn his loss. I hope it will be the lot of his parents, brothers, and sisters to meet with him in a better world. Rieves is not very well, but is still going, and is on the mend. We have several sick at Monterey and in the neighborhood, some are nearly well others just taken down. I left David, James Gilmer and Cummings Fletcher at one Mr. Campbell, they were all mending. They had a canonading at Greenbrire river last thursday. The Yankees come down and attacked the forces there, but were repulsed with a loss unknown to us, but it is said they hauled off several wagon loads of dead. Report says we killed between 400 & 600, but I have no such an idea. We killed several, but not that many. They attempted to flank on our forces but run at first fire, our loss = 8 or 10. I think if God was ever on the side of a people he is with us although he may scourge us yet. We will come out conquerers. I understand that Floyd has routed them from Kanawah valley, if so they will have to leave Cheat But, I suppose Lincoln thinks there are a good many of us for a rebellion. The condition of Kentucky may prolong this war, but if she comes south by a large majority it cant last long. I hope it may soon end, but I want Mayerland and Kentucky to come south. We are about 5 miles below Greenbrier guarding some roads. I have been rather sick since I come up to the Reg, but I think I will be well in a few days. I want you to write when you receive this, I like to hear from that section often. I see in your letter that Hays was sick, I hope that he will be up soon. It is now raining and I must close. Tell them all howdy for me, so farewell, Yours truly George. R. Cowan To Cummings Gilmer From Geo. R. Cowan | |