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Letter to Editor
October 3, 1861
Holmes County Republican
Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio
What is this article about?
Soldier Jack Kelser writes from Camp Gauley, Western Virginia, on Sept. 11, 1861, describing the previous day's battle against fortified rebels, their nighttime retreat leaving tents and equipment, Union pursuit capturing a cannon, and casualties including 25 dead and wounded officers.
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OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
For the Republican.
Camp Gauley, Western Virginia,
Sept. 11, 1861.
Dear Brother: I have felt it my duty to write to you as soon as possible after the fight, which commenced yesterday about 3 o'clock P. M. and raged with unrelenting fury until nightfall. The rebels occupied a well chosen position and were strongly fortified. They stood their ground well during the fight. When it grew dark our men were withdrawn with the intention of again renewing the attack on the following morning; but during the night the rebels packed up as much of their camp necessaries as they could take without retarding their speedy progress, and unceremoniously departed without even bidding us good-by, leaving their position, tents, &c. This morning several of our regiments started in pursuit and as I understand overtook them and captured one of their cannon. Our regiment (the 23d) did not go further than the deserted camp of the enemy, where we remained about two hours, when we were ordered back again. The dead had already been gathered up and as near as we could learn their number amounted to 25 among them was Colonel Lowe of the 12th Ohio regiment. Colonel Little of the 10th was severely wounded, he was at the head of his men, cheering them on to victory, when a cannon ball struck his horse in the breast literally tearing the poor animal to pieces. The Colonel is fast recovering. Our regiment was not engaged, but we were within gun-shot of the battle and held back as a reserve ready to pitch in at the word forward. The men in our company are all well with but one or two exceptions. Brother Christian and I are as hearty as ever. With the hope that you will write soon, I subscribe myself your brother,
JACK KELSER.
Camp Gauley, Western Virginia,
Sept. 11, 1861.
Dear Brother: I have felt it my duty to write to you as soon as possible after the fight, which commenced yesterday about 3 o'clock P. M. and raged with unrelenting fury until nightfall. The rebels occupied a well chosen position and were strongly fortified. They stood their ground well during the fight. When it grew dark our men were withdrawn with the intention of again renewing the attack on the following morning; but during the night the rebels packed up as much of their camp necessaries as they could take without retarding their speedy progress, and unceremoniously departed without even bidding us good-by, leaving their position, tents, &c. This morning several of our regiments started in pursuit and as I understand overtook them and captured one of their cannon. Our regiment (the 23d) did not go further than the deserted camp of the enemy, where we remained about two hours, when we were ordered back again. The dead had already been gathered up and as near as we could learn their number amounted to 25 among them was Colonel Lowe of the 12th Ohio regiment. Colonel Little of the 10th was severely wounded, he was at the head of his men, cheering them on to victory, when a cannon ball struck his horse in the breast literally tearing the poor animal to pieces. The Colonel is fast recovering. Our regiment was not engaged, but we were within gun-shot of the battle and held back as a reserve ready to pitch in at the word forward. The men in our company are all well with but one or two exceptions. Brother Christian and I are as hearty as ever. With the hope that you will write soon, I subscribe myself your brother,
JACK KELSER.
What sub-type of article is it?
Informative
Historical
What themes does it cover?
Military War
What keywords are associated?
Camp Gauley
Battle
Rebels
Union Pursuit
Cannon Captured
Colonel Lowe
Colonel Little
23d Regiment
What entities or persons were involved?
Jack Kelser
Dear Brother
Letter to Editor Details
Author
Jack Kelser
Recipient
Dear Brother
Main Argument
reports on the battle at camp gauley on september 10, 1861, detailing the union engagement with rebels, their fortified position, nighttime retreat, union pursuit and capture of a cannon, and casualties including 25 dead.
Notable Details
Rebels Left Tents And Position Behind
Colonel Lowe Of 12th Ohio Killed
Colonel Little Of 10th Wounded But Recovering
23d Regiment Held In Reserve
Company Men Mostly Well, Including Brother Christian