1861 Nov[ember] 2 Camp Ewing

Dear Father. Will Arthur & Ames
came into Camp on Wednesday
bringing with them the letters
you sent. They left the Boxes
at Gauley. they were brought
up on Thursday when they were
opened it was found that some
of them had been broken open
and several pairs of Boots taken
out also one or two packages. It is suppose
that this was done at Gauley
the Boxes were placed in a
House and under Guard but
the key of the House was in the
hands of some Petty Officials
and it is supposed they did it
Mr Ames says he intends to
investigate the matter among
other Alex. Thad Coffins & mine

[page 2]
are missing. the package
containing shirts drawers & gloves
for me was safe I was very glad
to receive them. I also received
the papers & Envelops I dont like
the idea of loosing the Boots however
There was considerable Cannnondading
going on in the direction of
Gauley yesterday have heard
nothing authentick about it yet
it is supposed that the Rebels
are trying to cut off our
Communication by the River
in fact it is now rumered that
they have succeeded in doing so
I think it is not so however
They seem to sentered along the
River opposite to us and have
for some time been fireing
upon our Boats as they pass
I think it likely that some
movement will be made
against them soon

[page 3]
Nov 2d Evening
Most of the sick have been started
toward Gauley indicating that some
movement on our part is about
to be made
The Paymaster arrived and commenced
paying off our Regiment to day it
seems that his specie has become
scarce as he pays mostly in Treasury
notes which I suppose are quite as
good.

[letter of James Dinsmore Templeton will continue on November 3]