Letters from a Civil War Relative #10 June 29, 1862, from Camp Cottrell, Claiborne Co., TN

Here is the next letter to Joel Stamper, this one written by Lewis Reynolds on Richard's behalf. There is some surprising (to me) bravado and confidence expressed in this one. I wonder if the entire regiment was in such good spirits at the time.

 

 Camp Cotterl Claborn Co Tennessee June the 29 1862

My dear father. I seet my self once more to drop you a few lines to let you no that I am well at the present time, hopeing when these few lines come to hand they may find you all well and deoing well.

I have nothing verry strang to rite to you only the gap is open.

The rebels left it in double quick time. Our men took a flag of truce and went to the rebels camps, talked with them and staid all njte with them and they tride to swap horses with our men.

The rebels ses they (sic) that our men and them never will fite and I no the reason because they wont fite us. They hade rather run than to fite and it is good sens of them.

I think my self the rebels left 5 cannons at the gap and they are all spiked and they left all of their tents. They cut their tents all to peases with their nives before they left and they left a greate deal of their commissary stores and a good many shels and balls and a greate many other thing too (illegible) to mention at this time.

I received a letter the 6 day of June wich give great pleasure to hear from you and hear that you was all well

Here is another instance where I am inserting an undated/marked page where I think it seems suitable.

I have had many troubles and trials to encounter with sense I have been in the service and expect to see a great manny more if I live long in this troublesome world. 

I want to deo as my rite is. I can put my trust in god for I no he is the only                                                savior and I want all of my brothers and sisters to deo the same for I no life is                                            uncertain and death is sure

There is several sick her and one died today.

That will make a man come to his (illegible - sadness?) to see a soldier die in                                             the servis.

I want to deo as my rite is. I can put my trust in god for I no he is the only savior and I want all of my brothers and sisters to deo the same for I no life is uncertain and death is sure.

There is several sick her and one died today.

That will make a man come to his (illegible - sadnesd?) see a soldier die in the servis.

The uncertain final page.