1862 August 11 Camp Green Meadows

[letter of James Dinsmore Templeton of the 23rd Ohio begun on August 10th concludes]

Aug. 11  We are prepareing for
general inspection this
evening and it is rumored
that we may leave this camp
to night: Scouts say that the
force that made the attack
at the ferry Wednesday are
again advanceing in that
direction.  Deserters who have
come in to our lines report the
enemy as they attacked Wednesday

[page 5]
over 1600 strong and
it is not improbable that
they will try it again
night before last a
detachment of 150 Inf men
and 20 Cavalry under Comd
of Capt Jim Drake ( a brave
or it may be reckless officer)
made a dash up the river
about 25 miles & destroyed
the Mercer salt works
the found it in full blast
makeing at least 20 [or 80?] bu
per day and as salt is a
quite scarce article through
the country it was quite
an important affair. the
boys fired it and saw it
well under way then
left, as they were returning
they were fired upon -  by
a passel[?] of bushwhackers. 3
of the horses were badly

[page 6]
wounded.  the Infantry
did not go all the way
and the Cavalry were alone
when fired on and
not knowing the strength
of the enemy they thought it
best to Skedaddle
Have those boys Tom &
Eli written to me yet &
How are the crops?
was the grass good
Write soon
I do not know why it is
hut I dont get scarcely any
letters nowadays
Yours Truly
J.D.  Templeton

MSS 10317