1862 May 2 Swift Run Gap, Va.

Swift Run Gap
Friday May 2nd 1862

Dear Lanty
I left you as you know on Saturday
expecting to go to Charlottesville & perhaps to Halifax
to wait until some vacancy occurs in the
R.A. [Rockbridge Artillery]  I rode to Stanardsville in a quarter masters
wagon--& on Sunday arranged to have my baggage
carried to Gordonsville & started off myself on foot--
After walking four miles beyond Stanardsville
I met Gen. Trimble & staff. I asked one of
the aids if Ewell's Division was coming along
that road--he told me that it would come
by another road which ran into that one
about two miles in my rear--I inferred
from the movement that there would prob-
ably be a fight in the Valley before I
would return from Charlottesville and
determined to fall in with the Maryland
Regiment & shoulder a musket for the
time being--So I retraced my steps for
two miles--secured my baggage--and
quietly awaited the Division.  When
the Maryland Regiment came along
before I could distinguish any familiar
face I found myself surrounded by
old friends, who ran out of ranks,

[page 2]
the attention of some being attracted by
the greetings of others--You may imagine
they were surprised to meet me there.
Ran[dolph McKim] soon arranged a plan with Captain
Maury for my accommodation.
So I am with Company H. now
& hope to see you in a few days--
Meantime please keep any letters
or papers that may come for me--
Yours truly
E. H. Ingle
If convenient you may send
this to "Lieutenant Edmunds
Co. E. 23rd Regiment."

MSS 4763