Friday, March 16, 2012

1862 March 17 Salem, Va.

Salem March 17th 1862
Dear William
I have just received yours of the 11th Inst, &contents $50, by Lieut.
Thomas--Capt. Deyerle & Mr. Edington will start with their
new recruits, tomorrow morning. So I write in haste.
I will probably send this by John Bryants. He goes to you
Co.--He lived you know, just back from J Benn's. I think
you will find him a good fellow.--John Rennie and
Hartman's two Boys go to Hupp's Co. Hupp's Co. is now full
think 150 strong. they could take no more.--
Your Co. will now be very large. D. brings 52 new
recruits.--There is no difficulty in getting volunteers now
Th whole of the Militia have been called for,--Our Regt.
were paraded in Salem, on Thursday last.--They were
ordered to be at the Depot. on yesterday (Sunday) But
on Saturday a dispatch came to hold themselves in readiness
to obey a call from Genl. Heth.--On yesterday another
disp. came ordering them to obey the first call, and to
report to Genl. Johnson at Manassa forthwith. Saturday
(being court day) Col. Terrell gave orders for all to be
ready to leave by the cars on Wednesday morning.--
All have to go, except such as are exempt by law.--
Our friends along the green ridges, I believe are
prepairing to go.--But it goes hard. A good many
have been exempted, on account of Physical inability.
Among this Co. John Hunts Geo. Fifer, J. R. Burchalt Hank

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Ganst (Geo's son) C. Swartz A. Remish M. Spingle
& many others.--Many farms will be left without
a single hand to work them. Mrs. Stautemire[?], J. Gish
Moses Brubaker S. Brubaker &c.--While upon this subject
I will say that letters have been rcd. stating that
Keifer B. Sautemire Saml. Firestone & young Huff who
went out with Mattox (the Blacksmith) are all in the
Southern Army; and were probably in that dreadful
fight at Boston Mountain under Genl. Price.
Of that fight we have no definite account. The North
claims a great Victory--Our papers say that after 3 days
hard fighting, neither side had whiped, But that
Price would certainly whip them in the end.
We are all anxious to hear the final result. Both
sides agree that there were 30,000 on each side
engaged. There was no doubt great slaughter on both
sides.--Until I recd your letter today, were supposed you
left Winchester on the 26th of last month. Hence the
why that we have not written you oftener. We did not
know your whereabouts.--Since L Thomas left you,
we understand you have fallen back to Stratsburg.
Is it so?--I had forgotten to say that your old friend John
Balthis will be with you, with his bugle.

Now for a few items of neighbourhood news,
Geo. R. Tayloe's son (an officer in the Navy) was killed in
tehe naval battle at Hampton Rodes.--I suppose you have
heard all about that battle & the dreadful havack the old
Merrimack made among the Yankey steamers! that was a
great affair--If we had a few more steamers like the Mer. we could
raise the blockade without England or France.---

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Jas. Deyerle's still house burned down a week ago.
His loss is very heavy: But the worst of all is, Rob. Barnett
a son of Rob Barnett Sr. was burned up in it.--
On Thursday last your Capt A. J. d. shot a Mr R martin
from back creek. He shot him twice. At the time, the
wounds were supposed to be mortal. But now it is believed
he will recover. Bryant or Balthis can give you the particulars.
No blame is attached to Deylere.--He was not even arrested.
On the same day--a Mr. Hill from Craig was killed
by a McFearson (a soldier) also of Craig Co.--they were
coming over to Salem & fell out over an [?]
when the deed was committed. I cannot give the
particulars. McFearson is having his trial before a called
court today. From what little I have heard, he should
be hung.--We have heard nothing of Ed. Keiser yet.
He was either killed or taken prisoner--Mr. Browen
alias Behlmanon, was here 2 nights. He has grown
very much; and looks well. He is now a Lieut. & is out
recruiting. He has gone to Pulaski & Giles.

The stir among the Volunteers & Militia has taken
a few of Dr. Boule's[?] students, say 9 or 10.--We have 4 boarders
yet.--About your money matters, I will say, money
is so very plenty no one wants to borrow. Mr Hubbard
paid back the $150 he borrowed.--Mr. McClary has paid
$15 of his Interest. I went to see T. Frantz but he was
not at home so I have not recd. any of him.--
I have used $90 of the money that Bill paid on his note.--You now
have $250 or $300 here which your ma put with your papers--
as I have not much faith in our Savings Bani I think I will put
your money in the other Bank on deposit. Until I find a chance
to lend it out.--You will get no interest in the Bank . But some of your

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money is in Confederate notes & the day may come when
it will be of but little value--I mean when we are
all whiped by the Yankees.--When I have it I put no VA
money into your pile, & take your C.F. Money--& keep it
in circulation.--You say you have not volunteered
yet.--By your enquiry about Hupp's Co. I infer you would
like to change your branch of service, if you volunteer again.
It is true the 42d Regt. has had a hard time so far--this Summer
I fear you will all have more fighting & less marching.
There will be no easy or soft places during the present
spring & coming summer--Perhaps the 42nd may be
the favoured Regt. we cannot tell.--When you see
the new recruits you will be able to see who are to comprise
the Co. under a new organization. --The exempt Vols. who
are now at home will have to go back with the Co.
again.--The new recruits with a few that are now
in the co. will be able to controll the organization
of the Co. at the end of the present year--I will not
advise you about revolunteering. You are there, and
know best what to do.--If you could have come home
ter recruits you would have gotten Jno. Brown, Hartman
Wm. Hubbard & many others. But if you manage rite you
will make many friends out of the new recruits, Bryant,
Balthus &c----Bill was well a few days ago
we have heard nothing from John yet.--
All are well at home.--Write us as soon as possible
and tell us where to direct our letters.--I can think
of no more news at present.--
the free negroes between 18 & 45 are being taken for wagon
ers
Moses Ross (Stephens Son) who I have heard on the road
starts to manassa tomorrow morning.--I did not like
to give him up, but he had to go.--Tell Alexander your cook.--Lisy & Kittie are anxious to get a letter from you.
If you have a battle, let it be the understanding among
several of you that some survivor of the fight shall
write immediately after
Affectionately
John McCauley

Mr William McCauley
Winchester

Capt A. Deyerle's Co. Va. Vols 42d Regt Col
Burks Commanding

MSS 14953

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