Whilst at a friends house in this
county a few weeks ago, I chanced to see a Richmond
paper in which was published a list of the wounded in
the battle of "Kernstown." to my sorrow I saw as the
fourth name that of Sergt. Wm. Mc.Cauley of the 42d Va. Regt.
Left in doubt as to the nature of your wound, I was on
the point of writing immediately, when I recd a letter from
sister Mary stating that you had written home that it
was serious & there were fears of losing your left hand.
I sincerely hope there was no necessity for amputation
Relieve me of my anxiety. Now let me tell you
why this letter is written at my Miss home for I am
neither wounded or sick. From the day I gave you the
parting hand on "Ever-to-be-remembered Sewell" on the 13th of Octr.
till we were marched back to the R.R. at Dublin Depot, our
campaign was attended with much toil & privation. Fortunate
enough to spend the Christmas in Salem, I then learned your
whereabouts & that several long chapters had also been added to
your already lengthy story of dangers & difficulties. From your friends
then & afterwards from some Tennesseans I heard that the old 42d
had been "walking" around as usual, but this time under
Stonewall Jackson. I make it a point always to inquire
about the 42d for in it, I have a friend in whose welfare
[page 2]
I feel deeply interested--You belong to a famous Brigade if
you are under old Stonewall. Every body here believes he is of
the fighting kind. Well, in Decr. Floyd's Brigade was ordered
to Bowling Green Ky. We stayed there till the 1st of Feby.,
when we were taken down to Russellville. Here unlike at
B. Green I was much pleased with the place, its people & sur-
roundings. The 36th, 50th, 51st, & 56th Va & ours (the 20th) made the
Brigade. About the 10th of Feby, we went down to Clarksville
Tenn & in a few days were shipped down the Cumberland
River to Fort Donelson. Better that we never had gone
there. The first day which was pleasant, we had nothing
to do but lie down on the ground in reserve, but still the
bombs, & balls from the Enemy's Artillery passed over our backs
all day long. It was an uncomfortable position, as we were
exposed to danger without being able or permitted to do its au-
thors any damage whatsoever. That night when it turned bitter cold
& snowed shoe mouth deep, we were taken to the Rifle pits
to relieve a Texas Regt. From that time, we looked on the trench
as our home. We worked all night to keep warm & strength
en our position. Next day, friday, we had nothing to do
but keep ready. Snowed again that night with an increase
of cold. Next day (Sat'd 15th) was a memorable one with
me. Long before day we were silently led out to make ready
to strike a blow for out country. We marched around
in front of & out of sight of our breastworks & about light
offered battle which was accepted & from then til near sunset, with
[page 3]
few intermissions the bloody carnage was continued
Our company lost three men killed outright & 8 or 9 wounded
besides many others having been shot through their clothing
With a thankful heart I can say that I recd not
a scratch. We drove the Enemy through their encamp-
ments & that night, though sorrowing for our lost compan-
ions, felt elated at the victory achieved. Next morning
the sun arose upon us, a surrendered army. You
have seen the reports of Genls Floyd & Pillow.
Col. Russell & Capt Reid were both absent sick.
Major Brown commanded the Regt. & Nelson the comp'y.
When I saw the unexpected situation we were in
& viewed the consequences of being prisoners of war, I determin-
ed to make a bold effort to free myself & attended
with four others of my cop'y, arrived here on the
25th of Feby, where I found all the people mourning
us as dead or in the hands of the Yankees. We
encountered no great difficulties, met no enemies, but
warm & sympathizing friends, had to walk 80 miles to the
R.R. where we got transportation home.
Ever since then I have been enjoying the hos-
pitality of the kindest of friends. I would not have
remained here so long, but did not know what to do--
At last Col. Russell has issued an order for us all
to rendezvous at Grenada Miss, where the Regt. will be
recruited & the men paid off.
[page 4]
I expect to start for that place in a few days. I loved
the "old 20th" & if she had not been so unfortunate
would today be in the centre of this grand army at
Corinth. I do regret so much that I am not in that
Army for in a few days, a battle will be fought by it
which will be considered great as long as history is read.
It is some honor to be in a "big fight."
You have heard that Floyd saved his Brigade. I do not
know of even One man in our Regt. who effected his safety through any
means of Gen. Floyd. I don't condemn the old Genl. He
did the best he could & I would like to see him at the head
of another force. He is "dead game". He saved most of
his Virginians for they had greater claims on him than we had.
How is the Conscript law taking in Va? Though pronounced
unconstitutional by Gov. Letcher, I think it is the greatest law
that has passed lately. We want men, men in the field &
this brings them We will soon have an army capable of
putting us on the offensive rather than suffering us to
fall back, back all the time. I don't feel satisfied here
taking my ease, chatting the ladies, fishing & riding about,
whilst my friends are in the camp & my country in danger.
I feel more patriotic now than ever before in my
life. My desire to benefit my country increases in proportion
to her sufferings. I (if spared) will be in the army so long as
the hated foe threatens our liberty. I will direct this
letter to you at Salem, as I don't know where you are at.
I repeat the hope that you are fully recovered & that you
may soon have an
revenge for the pain & suffering inflicted. If at home please
give my kindest regards to your fathers family, if in the
war, remember me kindly to Jno. & Geo. Airheart & my other
friends in your company--Write to me soon, & direct to
this place.
Your Sincere Friend as Ever
Edwin J. Kizer
Edwin J. Kizer of the 20th Mississippi to William McCauley of the 42d Virginia
MSS 14953
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