Head Quarters 2 Brig. 3^d Div 3^d A.C.

Camp at Brandy Station V^a.

Dec^r 9/63.

 

Dear Cousin,

            I have only time to acknowledge the receipt of your kind letter of Nov 18/63. I had written to you recently addressing you at Scituate Mass. I have no doubt of your success at Troy.—

 

Should I visit Ohio, it will give me great pleasure to see you & renew that old & informal intimacy, by meeting you face to face.—

 

Latterly my duties have pressed very hard upon me, but I hope soon to have my command in good winter quarters, when I shall be more at ease.—

 

The battle of Locust Grove (Nov^r 27/63) was a very severe infantry fight so far as my command was concerned. We fought the best troops of the Rebel Army and successfully. I have for a few moments seen the conflict as terrible as upon that day, but never have I seen so obstinate & continued a conflict. At times the bullets fell in sheets in our midst & for a period of over four hours the fire abated but little.—

 

I was with my command under the fire / during the entire time. While my Cavalry orderlies were shot at my side & many others fell to rise no more around me, I was preserved unhurt. We punished the rebels triple fold. Their dead & wounded mostly fell into our hands.—

 

My descriptive powers are not good enough to enable me, upon paper, to describe a battle. Only those who witness can realize its horrors. The dead are passed by unnoticed even though they be the dearest friends of earth. When the conflict ends & time is allowed to turn attention to the wounded, then the human soul recoils. A man is groaning in the last agonies of death, he must be passed by, that attention can be given to those who are likely to recover from their wounds & survive. On the night of the 27^th while we administered to the wounded of our own army, but a few yards distant could be heard distinctly the last agonies of the dying rebels. Many prayers were going up from the deluded rebels. They were left by their comrades without attention and care. Our own wounded for the night more than engrossed our attention. Pardon me for this sad recital of mortal woes.

           

Right glad will I be to hear from you soon & at length.—

           

Remember me in love to Mrs Miller. You & Mrs M. must visit Eliza often. You will always be welcome

                       

Believe me Sincerely

Truly Yours always

J. Warren Keifer

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