Camp of 5^th Ohio Regiment

At Culpepper Va Aug 13^th 1862

 

My Dear Sister

                                    I received yours of the 3^rd ins^t and was very glad to hear that you are well. You requested me to write you a letter which I will cheerfully do and I am happy to have the opportunity of writing you one which may prove interesting. On the 6^th ins^t we left Little Washington and and took the advance at Sperryville, near which place we encamped until the 8^th when we reached this place. On the morning of the 9^th we marched down the Gordonsville Road and found the enemy 8 miles from here. the day was a very hot one and we marched very slow, about a dozen men were sunstruck on the road. about 3 P.M. we reached a place called Cedar Mountain where the enemy were known to be in force. two of our batteries were planted on a rising ground within range of the hill and we marched up and formed in line behind them At four oclock some of our cavalry commenced a skirmish on our right and on coming within range of the rebel guns were driven back with shells. Our guns then opened and a brisk cannonade continued until after six P.M. the enemy had a fine position in left right and front and made some of the best shooting that I have seen 

 

during the artillery fire we were flat on our backs and fairly roasting in the sun. a few of our men were hurt at this time by bursting shells. at 6 P.M. our Brigade was ordered to get up and forward. we were on the left next the hill. After advancing about 300 yards we were exposed to a heavy fire from musketry and artillery on right and left. We advanced to within half rifle shot of the secesh before we fired a shot, at this time the Infantry men so close to each other that the artillery on both sides had to stop. Our Brigade still advanced and drove the secesh back in confusion. Jackson seeing this sent up a fresh Brigade at us. some of his men say that he led it in person our lines had now become so thin and weak that we were forced to fall back. this fight of our Brigade was in a cornfield between the road and the base of the hill. All the other Infantry of our side were engaged on the right in a thick woods. the heat of the fight was over at sunset, and both parties remained on the same position. After dark M^cDowells Division came up and relieved us and we fell to the rear to rest. Pope and Siegel were soon on the field and directing operations. Divisions and Brigades came pouring in rapidly long lines glistening in the moonlight were winding their way over the plain and dark columns of artillery and cavalry / moved stately and silently to the positions assigned them about 9 P.M. the enemy began to shell us. their aim was good and there was some hurry and noise until our guns were ready to reply. Our batteries soon poured a shower of shell into them that kept them quiet till morning. Contrary to my expectations the battle was not renewed on the the morning. On the 11^th an understanding there was an armistice and both parties took off their wounded that had been left on the field and buried their dead. Yesterday our Brigade came back to this place. reports of all kinds are flying around in camp such as Burnside is at Gordonsville, Shields is here in command of a new Division, Jackson is retreating, &c. &c. Gen^l Geary is severely wounded and Augur and Banks, some old grizzely chap is in command of our Brigade at present I hear his name is green.

 

The loss in our company in the last engagement is 2 killed and 13 wounded. Our first Lieu^t lost his left arm and I think some of the men will lose their limbs that are wounded. I was hit on the outside of the left leg above the knee. the wound is slight and after having it bandaged, I was all right again. I will have more trouble mending my pants than in mending my leg. the whole number fit for duty in the Reg^t today is about 175 rank and file 

 

I would have written before this time if I could have done so but when we left here on the 9^th we left our knapsacks and camp equipage, and during the 4 days that we were absent we did not have a tent or blanket. Our provisions were brought out in a waggon. after a battle there is so much confusion and hubbub that there is no attention paid to the mails, and it is very seldom that a letter goes off until everything is quiet again. I think there is a military blockade on letters going out from here until the official report goes in this town is now full of our wounded who are being shipped to Washington as fast as possible by the cars. Culpepper is a clean and pretty town situated on a gently rising land from which there is a fine view of the level plains stretching away to the east, and south, as far as the eye can reach, and of the splendid Blue ridge on the west and north. they have the finest sunsets here that I ever saw.

 

            When you write address JC, Comp'y D. 5^th Reg^t O.V.I. 1^st Brigade, 2^nd Division 11^th 2^nd Corps of the Army of Virginia. remember me to any friends,

hoping to hear from you soon

                                                           

I Remain

Your Affectionate Brother

James Clarke

 

tell Marshall to send me a dozen stamps

                                                                       

excuse mistakes as I am in a hurry

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