Letters from a Civil War Relative #6: February 1862, from Camp Carter

One of the pleasant surprises of this collection of letters was the letterhead on this letter. I really like it and wonder where Richard or Edward got it from. Was it harder to get or more expensive than plain paper?

This is another one in the handwriting of Edward Turner.

Camp Carter February 1862

Dear Father and family, I one time more take the pleasure of writing you a few lines to let you know that I am well at present, hoping that (when) these few lines comes to hand, they may find you injoying the same blessings.

I have nothing strange to write to you but I would be very glad to see you all one time more, but I am deprived of the privilege at this time and don’t know when I can get to come to see you. 

I would be glad you would come and see me.

I can inform you that we have left London and we are now stationed nine miles from London on the old state road that leads to Cumberland gap and the name of our camp is Carter. I can inform you there was a great battle fought at Somerset in which our men gained a complete victory. They killed 500 of the Rebels amongst which was found General Zollicofer and our men took 150 prisoners and 1500 small arms, 12 cannons.

I have been noculated from the small pox on the 30th of January but it has not operated yet but the small pox is not here but they say the are at Somerset.

I can inform you that we are looking for reinforcements every day. The Tennesseans and Ohioans. 

I can inform you that the health is better in this regiment than it has ever been since we come to Wild Cat. I want you to read this to all my brothers and sisters for I want to see them the worst I ever did in my life. Tell them that I have not forgotten them if they have me.

Lewis Reynolds and Edward Stapleton has come in the informed me that you had not got home before they left home and that you was sick at doctor name illegible - Lacy's?) in Clay County which made me a little (illegible.) 

Mother if he has not got home yet, I want you to write to me as soon as this   comes to hand and let me have all the news going on in the country.

So no more at present but remains your affection son until death.  From Richard Stamper to Joel Stamper and family.      

      

The battle he mentioned was the Union triumph on January 19 at Mill Springs, which cracked the eastern end of the Confederate defensive line through Kentucky. Confederate General Felix Zollicofer died in the contest. The Union commander was the same George H. Thomas who had trained men, including the 7th Kentucky Infantry,  at Camp Dick Robinson the previous September.

I find it interesting that soldiers got and so willingly shared such news. Even a previous entry showed Richard sharing information he had heard about the Battle of Wildcat Mountain. I’ve read such reports before, of course, but I guess the family connection in this series magnifies everything to me. They were, after all, just ordinary men like most soldiers were, wanting to let friends and families know of their well-being and experiences.

London was a city in Laurel County, not far from the Wildcat Mountain battlefield. This area suffered a devastating tornado in May of 2025 

Edward Stapleton was a corporal in the same company D of the 7th Kentucky as were Richard and Edward. Stapleton was born in Owsley County, so he may have been a neighbor or friend of at least Lewis Reynolds, if not the others.

Lewis Reynolds' name will appear more in future entries. Richard trusted him enough to let him write the letters that Richard wished to send home once Edward, who had penned Richard’s previous letters, passed away. That may be a sign of a close friendship between the two.