Mannasses Junction July 27th 1861 Dear Mother: I wrote you last Monday by Dr. McClung to let you know that I was unhurt and now I write to give you some particulars about the great and glorious battle of Stone Bridge. Stone Bridge is about six miles east of the Junction, we were quartered about four east of it, where we came on Friday, having marched twenty-five miles from Winchester to Piedmont Station where we took the cars and came to the Junction, having on our march forded the Shenandoah, eating nothing and having no sleep and knowing not how soon Pattersons command might attack us on the march, who left Martinsburg about the same time we did. We staid here Friday and Saturday lying on our arms, living on ship biscuit which have about as much substance [Page 2] in them as so much shavings. On Sunday morning we heard heavy firing on our right, immediately an aid came galloping up and ordered us to the extreme left (I thought we were retreating) but as it proved the enemy commenced firing on the right to attract attention to that point whilst they made the main attack on the left by Stone Bridge. The battle commenced in earnest about five o'clock and lasted until five in the evening. Our brigade was engaged from twelve until the retreat of the enemy. Our regiment (Col. James Preston) was placed immediately behind some batteries to support them, our company supported Thomas' battery from Richmond. Lying on our faces we received the enemies fire about two hours. Six of our men were killed. William Paxton shot fairly in [Page 3] his right breast collar off and killing him instantly. Ben Bradley struck on the right hip with a piece of bomb shell, he lived five or six minutes; his last words were "Oh. Lord have mercy upon me a poor sinner. Boys pray for me". Charlie Bell who was killed with a piece of the same bomb, lived about two hours, his whole right shoulder was torn off. William B. Ott, who was shot in the heart with a musket ball killed instantly. Henry Wilson, whom you will recollect we called Femster, was shot in the hip with a musket ball, killed instantly. The last was Calvin Ute, struck on the head with a piece of bomb, he died the next day. Our wounded were Horace Paxton, who had his forefinger on his left hand shot off, he is doing [Page 4] very well, the two Stricklers, one struck on the side with a piece of bomb slightly wounded, the one whch was in Cousin Johns store was struck on the neck and shoulder, am afraid he will die. Cyrus Neel from Monroe slightly wounded on the side. Sam Lightner slightly wounded on his right arm. William Anderson shot very badly on the knee, I am afraid he will have to have his leg taken off. There seems to be some doubt who took "Shermans Battery", but there is no doubt that our regiment took it. Two of our men were killed beyond the Battery and John Moffett of the Greys. We have gained one of the most complete victories ever gained. We have forty-seven pieces of their cannon, baggage wagons and everything they had and plenty of their men to boot. [Page 5] Stuart is a terror to the enemy. He says he has enough of food taken from them to feed the army a fortnight. On the retreat some of them stopped in a yard to fill their canteens and got some water when some one said that Stuart was coming they left hats, coats, canteens and jumped the fence and did not stop running until they got to Alexandria. They say there never was a more complete rout in the world. The road is lined with haversack canteens, &c. &c. Stuart played havoc with them on the retreat, they left the road to avoid him. You ought to see the battle field, it is ploughed up with cannon balls, one side is dotted here and there with the graves of our men, [Page 6] the other side you see covered with dead Yankees, horses, &c. I have not been on the field since the fight but intend to go over this evening. The cowardly dogs left wounded and dead to be taken care of by our troops, but I would let them rot on the field before I would bury one of them. Ellsworths pet lambs were literally cut to pieces. There is no doubt that they are brave. One of them said "they could fight men but not devils". Prof Campbell, Prof. Harris and Watson Woods father are here today. Watson left here with William Page's body, I do not know when he will return. [Page 7] July 28th 61 I had to stop writing yesterday to remove our old camp about a mile from the old place, and expect to finish it to send off by Prof. Campbell who leaves tomorrow. Watson got back today and is well. Prof. Nelson got here today and intends to stay I believe. Strickler C. I have just heard died night before last, his Mother and Father were with him when he died. This makes seven of us who have died since we left Lexington and I am afraid Mitchell cannot get well, who is sick with brain fever. We have our tents and get along very well. [Page 8] I do not suppose the Yankees will come to see Johnston again soon. You have no idea what a complete victory we gained, everything they had fell into our hands, they were splendidly equipped. I suppose you remember how I complained about Agy and Sallie writing home with a pencil but I find it so convenient I cannot blame them. All well Ted If you cant read this throw it into the fire.