Elk Water Camp September 16^th 1861

 

Dear Mother

                        I take my pen in hand to inform you that I am well and hope these few lines may find you all in good health

 

our regiment has been called up from cheat mountain pass to the 15^th Ind reg about 7 miles as they were expecting an attack and just as we got to the camp the long roll was beat and we saw the 3^th Ohio and 6^th Ohio and 15^th Ind falling into line of battle and we was ordered to fall in with them we then marched out to the breastworks and took our stand I could see our pickets running in bringing news that the enemy were only 2 miles off and advancing our artillery went out and fired a few shots at them and found out they were not advancing but were encamping with a force of about 7 or 8 thousand and we we were only about 3,500 strong and consequently could not go out to give / them a fight it was about 12 oclock when we took our stand and we stood there untill 3 oclock the next day but the enemy did not advance but still held their position our company was then called off and sent out across the mountains on scout to watch the enemy to keep them from flanking us across the mountain we stayed there untill 12 oclock the 15^th we were then ordered to camp on double quick the reg was then ordered into line and we started to the 14^th In^d reg about 9 miles across the mountain went over two mountains along a very rocky path had to go on single file when we got there we found we were not needed

 

I forgot to say we passed over two skirmish grounds and saw blankets knapsacks shirts dead mules blood and the ground tore up we had not been there more than a half hour before we got orders to come back on quick time and went back annother way 5 miles further 

 

my paper just now blowed into a camp kettle of water and spoiled my letter but I will send it any how we got back to camp at 12 oclock at night waded two rivers and about 12 good sized branches when we reached our camp we heard that the enemy were slowly falling back and then was the first time I took my accouterments since the 12^th there has been 16 of cap Myers company taken prisoner but none of the we are acquainted with

 

I cant tell how quick we will have fight son I think.

 

Give my respects to all and write often         

 

yours Affectionately

George W Young /

 

Direct to Beverly

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