1861 October 6 Camp Fulkerson, Pocahuntas Co. Va.

Dear Uncle

I received your,s sometime ago
and just a few minutes since read one to Reves
I would have written to you before this, but
my time was so occupied, and being out of
papers that I couldn,t well write in writing
to you from Monterey, I said but little about
Edmonson.s sickness as it was done in haste,
He was sick before I went back to wait upon
him; he was so low after I got back to him
ch could not talk much, and being out of
his right mind talked none of importance
sometimes when giving him medicine he would
call me by name, and say something about
his taking it, but would not notice me at
other times when I would talk to him
Just before he died his appearance was more
natural and he looked like he was
sensible, but was so weak he could not speak
Before he was taken sick, he told me he
had no idea of ever getting home, but said nothing
about dying I could not learn from him
whether he was willing to die or not; But he is
gone, and I hope to the land of the blest
he was my mess mate; the first of the squad
to fall; all miss him and mourn his loss

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I hope it will be the lot of his parents,
brothers, and sisters to meet with him in
a better world; Rives is not very well, but is
still going; and is on the mend; We have
several sick at Monterey and in the neighbor-
hood; some are nearly well others just
taken down; I left David, James Gilmer and
Cummings Fletcher at one Mr. Campbells
they were all mending. They had a
canonading at Greenbrire river last
thursday; The Yankees come down and
attacked the forces there; but were repulsed
with a loss unknown, to us, but it is
said they hauled off several wagon
loads of dead, Report says we killed between
400 & 600, but I have no such an idea.
We killed several; but not that many.
They attempted to flank on our forces
our loss = 8 or 10
but run at first fire^ I think if God was
ever on the side of a people he is with
us. Though he may scourge us yet
we will come out conquerers; I understand
that Floyd has routed them from
Kanawah valley; if so they will have to
leave Cheat Mt., I suppose Lincoln
thinks there are a good many of
us for a rebellion; The condition of
Kentucky may prolong this war, but if
she comes south by a large majority it

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cant last long; I hope it may soon end; but
I want Mayerland and Kentucky to come
south, We are about 5 miles below Greenbrire
guarding some roads; I have been rather
sick since I come up to the Reg. but I
think I will be well in a few days; I want
you to write when you receive this, I like
to hear from that section often; I see in
your letter that Hays was sick, I hope
That he will be up soon; It is now
raining and I must close; Tell them
all howdy for, me, So farewell,

Yours truly

George R. Cowan

.........................................
To. Cummings Gilmer From Geo. R. Cowan

George R. Cowan, Private, Co. I, 37th Virginia Infantry
MSS 5194