Camp near

                                                                                                            Waynesboro’

                                                                                                                        June 10^th 1864

 

My dearest Mother

                                    I accept this my first opportunity of communicating with you since the engagement of Sunday. You have doubtless heard many rumors of that fight which were exaggerated. The enemy outnumbered us, but not more than in the New Market fight, but our infantry were not so good. they could’nt stand the fight like the old 62^nd of our Brigade and that gallant “corps of boys”. I have seen a large number of persons from Ch[?]ville over here. My Regt brought on the battle again losing heavily—my Squadron had 20 killed wounded & missing Capt Imboden was captured and poor Blue killed dead—thank God he was a Christian / and has gone home to heaven. in addition we had eight private killed wounded and captured—

 

We would have won the battle had our infantry fought as gallantly as Confederates should but they were whipped before the fight commenced. Gen Jones was killed—he managed the battle badly—a good Cavalry officer—he knew nothing about infantry—the command then devolved upon Gen Vaughan and he instantly ordered a retreat. “Beck” is back again and I think in a few days we will recover lost ground. the enemy about 15,000 strong occupy Staunton. Love to All—Love to Sue.

 

                                                                        Your Afft Son

                                                                                    Julian

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