October 62

1: A – Left Junction in the morning. Reached Portland same day, where we encamped. D – Left Hamden on the Scioto and Hocking Valley Railroad to Portland, Ohio same day, distance twenty-five miles. F – Arrived at Camp Portland, Ohio. G – Arrived at Portland. K – Landed at Portland, Ohio.

3: A – Left Portland. D – Left Portland. Marched thirty miles. F – Left. G – Left Portland for Gallipolis. K – Left Portland.

4: A – Arrived at Gallipolis. F – Arrived at Camp Gallipolis. G – Arrived at Gallipolis.

5: FS – Arrived at Point Pleasant, distance by railroad 155 miles. March thirty miles. Here was assigned to Provisional Brigade composed of the Thirty-seventh and Forty-seventh Ohio and Eighth Virginia commanded by Colonel [Edward] Siber. A – Arrived at Point Pleasant. D – Arrived at Point Pleasant, [West] Virginia. F – Left. Arrived at Point Pleasant, [West] Virginia. G – Left for Point Pleasant, arriving same day. Encamped at Point Pleasant. H – Made the point of destination. K – Arrived at Point Pleasant, [West] Virginia after marching thirty miles.

18: FS – Colonel John G. Marshall received official notice of dismissal from service since which time Lieutenant-Colonel James Rowe has been in command.

20: FS – Ordered to store tents at Point Pleasant and proceed up the Kanawha Valley. A – Started up Kanawha Valley. D – Left Point Pleasant. Marched sixty-five miles. F – Left. G – We started up the Kanawha Valley. H – Moved from Point Pleasant. K – Left Point Pleasant.

21: F – Arrived at camp near Buffalo.

22: F – Left.

23: F – Arrived at camp at Red House.

24: F – Left. Arrived at Camp Polka.

28: F – Left. Arrived at camp at Browntown.

30: FS – Arrived at this point; distance marched seventy miles. A – Arrived at camp at Browntown, distance from Point Pleasant about sixty-five miles. D – Arrived at camp at Browntown, [West] Virginia. G – Arrived at Browntown Camp, distance from Point Pleasant about sixty-five miles. H – Arrived at Camp [Browntown] on the left bank of the Kanawha, a distance of seventy miles from Point Pleasant. K – Marched to Camp Browntown.

31: FS – Were inspected and mustered by Lieutenant-Colonel James Rowe. [The] regiment was without tents. A – We were mustered for pay. After being mustered at camp at Browntown, [West] Virginia the regiment marched fifteen miles to Clifton. B – Marched from Camp Browntown, where last mustered, to Clifton, distance about fourteen miles. D – Was mustered by Lieutenant-Colonel Rowe. Left camp at Browntown, where last mustered, in the afternoon. F – Mustered at Browntown. We left said camp at noon same day. G – Mustered for pay by Lieutenant-Colonel James Rowe commanding regiment. Marched the same evening for Paint Creek. H – Was mustered for pay for Lieutenant-Colonel Rowe.

November 62

1: A – Marched about six miles to Armstrong Creek, where we remained one day. B – Marched from Clifton to Armstrong Creek, distance – miles, where we remained. G – Marched to Armstrong Creek.

3: A – Marched about seven miles to falls of Kanawha, where we encamped and remained. B – We marched to the Falls of Kanawha eight miles. Remained in camp by the Falls. D – Arrived at Camp Cotton Hill, a distance of – miles, at noon. F – Arrived at Camp Gauley. G – Marched to Cotton Hill. Encamped.

15: F – Left Camp Gauley. Arrived at Camp Fenwick same afternoon, the place of the present mustering.

16: A – We moved to Camp Fenwick and made preparations to go into winter quarters. D – Left Cotton Hill in the morning and arrived at Camp Fenwick, [West] Virginia, a distance of six miles, about noon of the same day, where Brigadier-General [Hugh Boyle] Ewing ordered us to build [illegible] quarters.

19: B – We marched to Camp Fenwick at the base of the northern slope of Cotton Mountain, six miles from the Kanawha River.

20: G – Marched to and encamped on the southern slope of Cotton Hill, distance six miles.

Private J. Dunseth Diary

October the first 1862 ordered to western virgina. left kentucky and crost the ponton bridg over the river to cincinnati where we took the cars on the cincinn and marietti R.R. for portland ohio. camped here for a couple of days when we took up the line of march for gallipolis ohio where we marched to point pleasant va at the mouth of the kanawha river where we remained till the twenty of october.

The Highland News, Draft Made

The Draft Made in Highland

Yesterday morning, October 1st, at 9 o’clock, Commissioner Scott proceeded to draft the militia of this county, in pursuance of the Governor’s proclamation. The names were publicly drawn from a box at the Court House, Mr. George Underhill being selected to draw them, having first been blindfolded. The whole number drafted from the county was 181, distributed as follows:

Four townships were exempt, having more than filled their quotas, viz: Dodson, Liberty, Madison, and Whiteoak.

The drafted men are required to appear within five days after the draft, ready to proceed to the rendezvous for this district, Camp Dennison.

We were unable to obtain the names of those drafted in time for this week’s paper.

The time occupied in completing the draft was about 3 hours.

The Highland News, Grey Pony Edited Letter from Kentucky

From the 89th Ohio.

An interesting letter from our correspondent "Grey Pony," of the 89th Ohio, reached us too late for this week’s paper. The regiment received "marching orders" while on dress parade last Monday evening. Its destination was not positively known, but was conjectured to be some point on the river above Cincinnati, for the defense of the Southern border. The men were generally well, and glad at the prospect of being relieved from their late severe duty in the fortifications. They only complain however of the inefficiency of the Austrian muskets with which they are armed.

P. S. Since the above was written, we learn that the regiment passed over the Marietta & Cincinnati railroad on Tuesday, on their way to Point Pleasant, Va.

Private A. Everhart to his Parents from Point Pleasant

point pleasaint virginia oct the 5 / 62

Dear father and mother i take this opportunity to inform you that i am well at present and i hope when thesee few lines reaches you that they may find you in good helth. we just got here this eveing. we are comped in a nice meadow. John Jett just got here last night. he sed you were all well and to tell me that you could sell my colt for a good price. if you can sell it for a good price and for cash [unreadable] sell it and sell it any how if you can get the cash for it and to take the money and by [buy] some hogs or any thing that you need or get you a wagon. they aint no reabbles [rebels] in 25 miles of this place. they is some at the salt work. i will be at home some time. the three years wont last for ever.

Jack Everhart

The Highland News of 23 Oct 62, Grey Pony Letter from Point Pleasant

From the 89th Regt

Camp near Point Pleasant, Va.,

October 9, 1862

Dear News: - When I wrote you last we were en route for some point, I knew not exactly where. We had been on board the cars but a short time, however, when I learned our destination was our present encampment. We left the Marietta and Cincinnati depot at noon on the 30th of September, and arrived at Hamden, 140 miles from Cincinnati, at 2 o’clock the next morning. Here we encamped for the night, or rather morning, on the side of the railroad track, making use of cross ties for pillows.

At 8 o’clock, on the morning of Oct. 1st, we took passage on board the Scioto and Hocking Valley cars and proceeded to Portland, Jackson county, where we went into camp and remained until Friday morning, when we took up the line of march for Gallipolis, encamping on Raccoon Creek Friday night, and arriving at Gallipolis about two o’clock Saturday afternoon. Here we encamped on the Public Square, and on Sunday morning were agreeably surprised by receiving in exchange for our Austrian "bores," Harper’s Ferry Rifled muskets. After this interesting ceremony was over, our boys started in better spirits for our present camp, where we arrived at 10 o’clock, and in a short time were comfortably quartered having received our full supply of tents.

On the march from Portland, nothing of particular interest occurred, other than that we found all along the route good, whole souled Union people, who were unceasing in their attentions to our boys, furnishing them gratuitously with refreshments of various kinds.

Your correspondent may mention one interesting feature, which happened at Vienna, Clinton co., Ohio. Several of our boys availed themselves of what is termed in "military circles, a French" and tramped for home. The O. S. of Co. A – I will not mention his name – paid dearly for his trip. Since his return to the regiment he has been sorely afflicted with something similar to the gout. The boys say he "Gamboled" too nimbly over the mud road (for be it remembered he walked all the way to Hillsboro and returned carrying his knapsack and musket which accounts for his sore toe. The "Skedaddlers" are all in camp again, and express themselves highly pleased with their visit home.

There are about *** troops concentrated at this point. We are brigaded with the 37th Ohio – German, and 9th Virginia, under command of Acting Brig. Gen. Sieber, and attached to Gen. Q. A. Gilmore’s Division.

Our camp is located on the East side of the Kanawha River, about one mile south-east of Point Pleasant. The Camp is surrounded with never-failing sulphur springs from which our army is supplied with water.

The drill grounds are excellent, and the members of the 89th are improving rapidly in the drill.

Squirrels are as abundant around here as blackberries on Thompson’s farm – almost. Orders have been issued prohibiting shooting them, but the members of Co. "A" manage, by some means, to coax them down the trees, when they are instantly captured. Company "A" may be designated by squirrel tails worn on their caps.

The most interesting feature of the campaign, seen by your correspondent, is the "Shackass Battery" attached to our brigade. It is composed of four brass 12-pounders, mounted on two wheels, with shafts attached. When the roads are passable, each piece is drawn by one mule. When it becomes necessary to ascend a mountain, the piece is detached and mounted on a pack-saddle, thrown upon a mule’s back, and away he goes. The carriage is placed on another mule, and the ammunition on a third, when they "follow wait." These guns throw canister and grape effectually a distance of 1200 yards, and performed good service for nine hours at Fayetteville. Guns of a less caliber are, when necessary, fired from a mule’s back. The officer in charge of our battery informs me that his mules seem delighted with the service, and, in the language of Capt. Cutter, "are as docile as a rabbit."

Gen. G. W. Morgan’s Division arrived at Portland Sunday and Monday, and went into camp. As to the hardships endured by the men during their retreat from Cumberland Gap, it is unnecessary for me to write. Your readers have, I presume, already read the heart-rending accounts published in the Cincinnati papers. I may add that I conversed with a number of acquaintances from Cincinnati belonging to the Division. The stories related made me shudder. They will, I am informed, be paid off and clothed at Portland, after which they will be sent to ******

Much anxiety is felt here to know who is drafted in Highland. We have heard, by letters, of several, but want the "whole hog." Will you publish the list, giving if possible, the names of substitutes furnished, by whom, and the amounts received?

Co. "A" has, at present, ten men in the Hospital – 8 at Camp Shaler, Ky., and 2 at Gallipolis.

Col. Marshall joined the regiment at this point, and is now in command. [He has since been removed. – Ed. News.]

How long we will remain here I am unable to say, but it is hoped sufficient time will be given us to drill.

Presuming this letter is sufficiently long, your correspondent will, like Micawber, "wait for something to turn up," when he will write you again.

For the present, "adoo."

GREY PONY

Private J. Dunseth Diary

Oct 20th 1862 left Point Plesant for a campaign up the kanawha marched 15 miles and camped for the night on evening.

Tuesday Oct 21st 1862 marched 6 miles and camped on a [secation?] for the night one mile belo Bufalo [unreadable] = went on picket at night

Wednesday oct 22d marched to Buffalo and forded our teams acrosst the kanawha at night. marched 6 miles over bad rodes and camped on seccesh till morning.

The Highland News, Dismissal of Col Marshall

Dismissal of Col. Marshall.

We noticed in our last issue that Col. Marshall had been dismissed from the service for ‘conduct unbecoming an officer.’ It is now understood that drunkenness was the cause of his dismissal and that he has been entirely unfit for duty from this cause during most of the time since his appointment.

A letter from the 89th, under date of Oct. 19th, published in the Cincinnati Commercial of Tuesday last, gives the following description of a rather remarkable scene in which the Colonel was the chief actor.

"Today, the 89th, all but 2 companies and seven officers, rejected their Colonel for intemperate habits – a noble and exemplary proceeding. The regiment was drawn up in line; the Colonel addressed them. He then requested all who were in favor of retaining him as their Colonel to step out two paces in front, when the two companies and seven officers above spoken of stepped forward. When he saw how the land lay, he vapored a little about "Star chamber" proceedings and such stuff and about the people sustaining him, and all that, at the same time expressing a wish that regiment would deport themselves like good soldiers, and stand firmly by their country."

The Highland News, Expected Promotions in 89th

Major of the 89th Ohio. – In consequence of the removal of Col. Marshall from the command of the 89th Ohio, it is expected that Lieut. Col. Rowe will be promoted to the Colonelcy, and Major Hatfield will in turn succeed to the rank of Lieut. Colonel. In that event, the friends of Adjutant Spargur are strongly recommending him for promotion to the office of Major. Capt. Glenn, of Co. A, has also strong claims and as senior Captain, is in the direct line of succession.

Both gentlemen are deserving, and well qualified for the position, and whichever may succeed, the 89th will be fortunate in possessing a model Major.

The Highland News, Adjt. Spargur Visits Home

Adjutant Spargur of the 89th Ohio made a flying visit home last Friday night, and started back to the regiment next morning. We learn that he is strongly recommended for promotion to the office of Major which is expected to become vacant by the promotion of Major Hatfield to the Lieut. Colonelcy.

The Highland News, Lt Beveridge, Co. I, Visits Home

Lt. Beveridge of the 89th Ohio came home on Tuesday night for a brief furlough.

Private J. Dunseth Diary

Thursday Oct 23d marched to winfield and crosed to the east bank of kanawha and joined our brigade The 2d commanded by col sieber a person of military note.

Private J. Dunseth Diary

Frida oct 24th left Redhouse. during the P.M. our advance came up with the enemys but they fled. marched 7 miles to Poco creek.

Saturday oct 25 1862 remained at poco creek. no enemy also no tents.

Sunday Oct 26 still lay where we did yesterday still a day snowing and cold with no tents.

Monday Oct 27th still at poco creek = no inclination of the enimies = rods [roads] bad day fine.

The Highland News of 13 Nov 62, Grey Pony Letter from Camp Poco

Camp Poco, near Poco Creek,

Western Va., Oct. 28, 1862.

Dear News: - I have been somewhat negligent in my correspondence for some time past, but will endeavor to be more prompt in future. My facilities for writing are somewhat limited, as we have no tents, and are compelled to seek such spots and conveniences as the rugged and barren hills of our present encampment afford – such as the "Old Dominion" only can afford!

We are encamped on the banks of the Kanawha river, about 40 miles from Point Pleasant, and 18 miles from the city of Charleston. As we approached this point last Thursday afternoon, the roaring of cannon and rattle of musketry told us in terms unmistakable that "the ball had opened" in earnest. On our arrival we ascertained that the 34th Ohio, (Zouaves) who were in our advance, had engaged the rebel cavalry under command of the notorious Jenkins, and after a few "How are ye’s boys" in the shape of six-pounders, put them to flight. When our boys first heard the firing, they started off in quick time, eager to "take a hand." When about two miles back we were met by Gen. Sieber and halted. Our regiment was soon divided into battalions and assigned positions. Our battalion, composed of companies A, D and K, under command of Capt. Glenn, occupied a hill side, commanding a road leading down from a mountain, down which we were expecting the rebels to come, in order to get in the rear of our advance forces. We held this position for about two hours, eagerly watching and hoping, but "nary a rebel" appeared. We were then ordered t our present location, where bright fires soon sprang up, and hot coffee scented the air. After supper we "pitched blankets" on Mother Earth, and by 9 o’clock all were snoozing finely.

All day Friday various reports came into camp as to the position and force of the enemy. Nothing definite, however, could be ascertained. Several skirmishes took place between pickets and scouts, but nothing serious resulted. During the morning, indications of rain being evident, our "boys" were busily engaged in erecting places of shelter. By noon all was complete, and the city which had so suddenly sprung up presented quite a romantic view. Our houses are built of various materials, viz.: stone, logs, rails, pine and cedar branches, hum and woolen blankets, etc., in every conceivable shape. Our streets are not laid off as regularly as might be, our "civil" engineer being detached for special duty; but we experience no difficulty in finding any quarters desired, as all are properly named. In company A’s plat, for instance, you commence at the foot of the mountain with the "Glenn House." This is a "cosy" little hotel, being "near to the steamboat landing and the principal business houses," (i.e., the Commissary’s and Sutler’s!) which makes it a favorite resort.

Passing on, we arrive at "Halladay’s Branch." This is quite a popular resort, especially about meal time. Russell, the landlord, entertains his guests regularly three times a day with "regulation grub" – "sheet iron biscuits," beans, coffee, meat, &c.

Next is "Sportsman’s Hall," under the supervision of a regular Gamble(r). Here you can always find "four Pence" for any emergency. This is "a large and commodious hotel," occupying a large field, ("Four acres") and embraces a Wood-ed Glen(n).

Then comes the "Forage House," under the direction of an experienced Miller. Here, when provisions run out, a grist of meal or hot "dodger" may be obtained of the hospital landlord, at prices below that of the Sutler. This landlord buys exclusively of "Secesh," and pays them in lithograph Confederate scrip, requiring "green backs’ when change is coming! He is very liberal and invariably "knocks off" the "odd change"

Next comes the "news office," where "Grey Pony" resides. This institution has been recently enlarged, and is now capable of accommodating the whole company. A large reading room is attached, in which are filed all "the leading journals of the country," the "Rat Terrier" included. One copy of Sam Pike’s Gazette was placed on file this morning, but disappeared in a short time, having been used in "detachments," in cases of extreme emergency!

Passing on, we halt at "Martin’s Den," where "Jake" entertains his friends with a bear or wolf story; a la Haynes. So we pass on, until near the top we bring up in front of the "Mountain House." Here our jolly 1st Lieutenant caters to the comfort of his many visitors in a style peculiar to "Hen-e-ry" alone. Thus we might go on, but time and space forbid further description.

Saturday at noon a heavy snow commenced falling and continued without intermission until daylight this morning. Your readers may easily imagine our condition in this God-forsaken country, without tents. While shivering beside a huge fire, endeavoring to dry one side at a time – for be it known our "office" leaks – your correspondent arrived at the conclusion that this war looks magnificent – on paper! He would here take occasion to say to those gentlemen who remain quietly at home, enjoying all the comforts and surroundings of peace – those who are loudest in crying out for a prosecution of the war – those who are loudest in crying out for a prosecution of the war – those who would see it continue until "the last armed foe expires" – those who curse and rave at our inactivity – those who cry, "On to Richmond!" – those who cannot see how this, that and the other was allowed to transpire -–to all these gentlemen we say: Do as we have done; - bid adieu to wives and children; - come out and share with us the toils, hardships and privations incident to a soldier’s life; - accompany us in our long marches, sleep with us in the open air, trudge with us bearing a mule’s burthen, and – what! How quick the tune is changed! We do not grumble – no; our lives belong to our country, and we give them freely. Humanity, however, demands that we should be treated as human beings – not as brutes.

Our being without tents is attributed to a recent order of the War Department, reducing transportation to six wagons to a regiment. I may add in this connection, that I am happy to inform you that room is found for tents for the staff, the Quartermaster of course included, with a nice stove in the bargain! We have a Quartermaster, I am happy to say, who knows how to enjoy comforts. "Bully for him!"

Your readers are by this time aware of the removal of Col. Marshall. No change has as yet been made in the regimental officers. But one course, however, we presume, will be pursued, and that is, Gov. Tod will carry out his promise to allow promotions to proceed in regular succession. In that event, Lt. Col. Rowe is entitled to the Colonelcy. Major Hatfield to the Lt. Colonelcy, and Capt. Glenn to the Majorship. Capt. Glenn is very popular with the regiment, and being justly entitled to promotion will, if the wishes of the regiment be considered, succeed. Major Hatfield is also much respected and is strongly spoken of for Colonel. Adjutant Spargur has been mentioned in connection with the office of Major, but though all admit his qualifications, he is not in the regular line of promotion, and consequently, in justice to Captain Glenn, can have no claims to the office. What Gov. Tod may be induced to do in the matter remains to be seen. We hope, as a regiment, to be entitled to a hearing in the case.

Our Sergeant Major has resigned (?) and gone into the Sutler business. – Your correspondent also has been thinking of resigning and starting a "pig show" – "mid six legs!"

Company I, Capt. Barrett, is without a 1st Lieutenant, Lieut. Beveridge having tendered his resignation and gone home. The vacancy will be filled as soon as it is known that his resignation has been accepted. This company is composed of most excellent men, and "Capt. Davy" is undoubtedly "the right man in the right place." His friends at home may rest assured that he is "true as steel."

So many rumors are afloat that your correspondent scarcely knows what to believe. It was reported today that "reliable information" was received that the rebels had evacuated Charleston. – A skirmish took place today between a detachment of our cavalry and Jenkins’ men, in which one of our men was severely wounded. The 91^st regiment was also driven in some three miles this morning. Nothing save occasional skirmishing is going on though a big fight is expected hourly.

Morgan’s Division is coming up in our rear and will probably take the advance tomorrow.

As it would not be prudent for me to state our force here, and I could not if I so desired, I will only say that in my humble opinion it is sufficient to "clean out" the valley.

A hint, which to the wise I hope will be sufficient, and I close. Winter has already set in – the patriotic ladies of Hillsboro and vicinity are good knitters – our boys will need mittens. Who’ll start the needles?

As my candle is about to "cave in," so will

GREY PONY

Private J. Dunseth Diary

Tuesday Oct 28th 62 = no forward movement yet. in P.M. broke up camp at poco and moved some 6 miles and camped for night.

Private J. Dunseth Diary

Wednsday Oct 29th marched 7 miles and crosed the kanawha on a steam bot [boat]to the south bank of the mouth of cole river where we camped for the night with out tents.

Thursday Oct 30th took up the line of march at early dawn. about noon we stoped oposit charleston. took diner and started after rebels. marched some 22 miles during the day.

Troops of the District of Western Virginia serving in West Virginia, October 31, 1862

DISTRICT OF THE KANAWHA.

Col. J. A. J. LIGHTBURN.

Point Pleasant.

4th West Virginia, Lieut. Col. William H. H. Russell.

8th West Virginia, Lieut. Col. John H. Oley.

13th West Virginia, Lieut.. Col. William R. Brown.

2d West Virginia Cavalry, Lieut. Col. Rollin S. Curtis.

34th Ohio, Lieut. Col. F. E. Franklin.

89th Ohio, Col. John G. Marshall.

91st Ohio, Col. John A. Turley.

92d Ohio, Col. Nelson H. Van Vorhes.

Battery, Lieutenant De Lille.

Private J. Dunseth Diary

Frida Oct 31 mustered for pay. at twelve oclock took up the line of march up the kanawha. marched 12 miles to a small vilage called clifton where we camped for the nite on a rich cesash farm. the boys pitched in to his poltry and produce very liberly befor retiring. No tents as yet.

Private J. Dunseth Diary

Saturday November 1st 1862. Left camp at 10 A.M. up the kanawha and goley [gauley] rode [road] = marched through a beautiful and piece of =turesque contry abounding in the richest senry my eyes ever witenesed.

Sunday Nov 2d. In camp 5 miles below gauly. returned on picket = where we went last nite = our forses took some 10 or 12 prisoners and one deserter from the rebels [unreadable] rain at nite camped for evening in same empty house for the night.

Monday Nov 3d took up the line of march up the kanawha. camped for the night at the foot of Cotton Mountain and one half mile belo the falls of the kanawha = night cool.

Private D. J. Steward to his Father from Gauley Bridge

November the 4th 1862

Camp near Gulley Brige

it is with the greatest of pleasures that write you a few lines to let you know that I am well at present and hope these few lines may find you the same. I received your letter tow or three days ago and was glad to hear from you all. we have Been Marching tow weeks. we are getting very tired of it. I stand it very well for the first. I think we will stop till Spring. we hope so any hour. I have wrote Jim Norris three letters and told him to settle with you. he has never wrote me any answer.

I dont care, if I get home I will settle with him to my satisfaction. I have not much to write of importance and have not much time to write Just now.

I gusse we will all get sick if we dont get some tents. we have been out of tents since we left point P.

So no more at present. your son

D. J. Steward

Mr. H. Steward

Direct your letters to me to follow the reg. Dir to front.

Private J. Dunseth Diary

Tuesday Nov 4th. still in camp at the foot of cotton mountain. nothing of interest.

Private J. Dunseth Diary

Wednsday Nov 5th. still in camp no tents a little snow = built us a very nice hut.

Private M. Boots to his Family from Cotton Hill

November the 12 1862

Dear father and mother Brothers and Sisters

i take the present oppertunity to inform you that i am well at this time and i hope that when these few Lines Comes to hand that they will find you injoying the Same Blessing.

i am Sorry to Say that i hav had no Leters from Since i hav bin in this State. this makes the 4 leter that i hav Rote to you and hav got no answer fer any of them. i am now at Camp Coten [Cotton] hill one hundred and five Miles from the point [Point Pleasant, WV]. theirs is talk that take our winter quarters here this winter but whether we will or not i cant tell yet. i am on the ground where that Batle [battle] was faught.

I want you to Rite Soon and Direct your Leters to me in Care of Capt Brown Com D 89 Ridgment [Regiment] Pointpleasant Va

Martin Boots

to his father and mother Sisters and Brothers fare well for this time.

[Added same page]

to James Sollers

I Send my Best Respects to you and your family. I want you to Rite me a Leter and let me no [know] how you are giting long.

I hav some notion of volinteenerry [volunteering] in the Regler [Regular] Service for five year and if i do i will git to Come home and stay two month. Riley Seamour [Seymour] is well and harty and also Says that he Sends his Best Respects to you all.

The Scioto Gazette of 25 Nov 62, Yod Yiger Letter from Cotton Hill

Mr. Editor – I have thought that a word to your paper might perhaps interest some of its numerous readers, especially the friends of the 89th. We are now encamped just below the falls of the Kanawha river, at camp Cotton Hill, on the left bank, at the head of navigation on the Kanawha river. Our march hither has been one of fatigue and weariness.

We left Point Pleasant the 20th of October last. We struck tents at 3 o’clock in the morning, moved down to the river, and after some delay, crossed the river on the pontoon bridge, taking up the left bank. We moved on to Winfield, where we crossed over to the other side, on a batteau and skiff, to a place called the Red House, our course now being up the right bank of the river. We recrossed the river at Coal’s Mouth, on the steamers Glenwood, Gen. Meigs and Nymph, Morgan’s forces keeping on the right side of the river. Our course from here onward was up the left bank of the river, passing through Coal’s Mouth, a deserted looking place. The vacant houses had been turned into horse stables, by Jenkins’ cavalry. The inhabitants seemed to be mostly of the female sex. Onward in our course we passed Charleston on the opposite side of the river.

The blackened ruins of the burned houses were plainly to be seen. That once beautiful city had become almost desolate by the blightning influence of secession. Next in our course we passed the Malden salt works, which unexpectedly we found in working order, with a supply of salt on hands. From here onward the trace of the rebels was plainly marked.

Our progress was often impeded by obstructions placed in the road, bridges were to be rebuilt, and roads to be repaired. Our progress was slow, yet sure. After fourteen days on the march, we arrived at Camp Cotton Hill, November the 3d. We now can proclaim the Kanawha, with all its resources and auxiliaries, is ours.

The Kanawha Falls are at the head of the Kanawha river. The water pours over a precipice about eight feet in height, which forms the Falls of the Kanawha. From the Falls up, it takes the name of New River, which has its source in the northwestern part of North Carolina. The noted Gauley, a tributary of New River, forms a junction about two miles above the Falls. It received its notoriety from a curved bridge, so constructed that the sun shining upon its paintings, formed a resemblance to the rainbow. It was burned some twenty-five years ago by John Concade, a ferryman, because it destroyed the profits of his ferry, for which crime he was sentenced to serve in the State prison a term of fourteen years. It was replaced and burned by Henry A. Wise, soon after the breaking out of the rebellion; rebuilt again, and destroyed by Gen. Lightburn, in his late retreat down the valley. The same old method of crossing, by ferry, is again resorted to.

Our regiment, although it has been but three months in the field, has undergone many hardships. The health of the Regiment is not good, owing to our exposure in lying without tents. We were without tents from the time of our leaving the Point (the 20th,) until November the 9th. Our marching at a late hour, and lying on the damp ground at night without tents, and it sometimes raining and snowing, is enough to try any ones constitution. The effects are, some fifteen from each company in the hospitals, and I know some companies not to exceed twenty-five. Who is to bear the blame I cannot tell, but some one must be responsible. Our general appearance is good. Our efficiency in drill is not what it ought to be in this length of time, owing to the incompetency of our late Colonel. Our present Colonel, (Lieut. Col. Rowe) is putting forth all his energy for the good of the Regiment. Our Capt. (Adams) has proved himself to be worthy of his station. He seems to have the good will of all his company, who are making rapid improvement under his management. The Regiment moves tomorrow for Fayetteville, where we will build winter quarters, as we intend to winter there.

Yod Yiger

Nov. the 15th, 1862

Private J. Lucas to his Mother from Camp Fenwick

Nov 19th 1862

Camp Fenwick

Fayette County, Va

Dear Mother

we all got your letters last Sunday, and was glad to hear from you. we are well and are camped in the nicest place that I have seen in virginia. we are going to winter here and I like the place very well. Some person wrote a letter for Car and said he had not got a letter for so long but that is not true he got one last Sunday when I did. I am in the best kind of health and spirits and like soldiering first rate. I tell you I do not want you to grieve about me for I am all right so you must excuse my short letter. I want to write to Emeline. I am your most obedient Son.

James Lucas

Dear Sister Emeline

you must excuse my neglect of you. I will appologize now by writing you an excuse of a letter. I am well thank a kind Providence for many blessings and in good spirits. I hope you are the same. we have been building a nice cook house to be out of the rain. it looks like rain every day. we are going to build Winter quarters out of logs and then we will live fat and warm until Spring and then we will have to take it out of doors again then will come the tug of war. tell Ella that uncle Jim will sing her that song for her when he comes again. you must excuse my short letter this time for I am tired of writing. this is the fourth letter that I have written to day and one was on [?] news paper. excuse mistakes. from your most loving Brother

James Lucas

Private A. Bartley to his Father from Camp Fenwick

Camp Fenwick Nov 20 1862

Dear father and mother

I recived youre welcom letter and I was so glad to hear from you. I am well at this time and I hope this few line will find all well. mother you talk like I had forgot you but god forbid I evir shold forget as good and kind A mother as you have bin to me but mother I think of you A maney A time when ever boddey els is A sleep but mother it dont do eney good to think. all wee can do is to hoap and pray for the best. Tine and me wold like to hav A pair of boots if you hav eney Chance to send them to us but dont run much risk for they migt get lost. you say you hav not got eney letters from me for A month but I hav roat you five or six letters in the last month and I dont want yoou to think hard if you dont get them for it haint my falt. giv the Children my love. this is the list of the Camps wee hav bin at

Camp Denisen Ohio, Camp taylor ken Camp king ken, Camp perpindicular ky, Camp shaler ky, Camp portlad ohio, Camp gallipolis ohio, Camp point pleas va, Camp buffalo va, Camp red house va, Camp mud hole va, Camp polka va, Camp Coal river va, Camp browns ville va, Camp Coal brig va, Camp golley va, Camp ewing weston virgina, and we hav gon in to winter quarters at Camp ewing. I have not much time to wright and not much to wright so I must close my letter by saying goo by dear father and mother.

mr Bartly i thought I wold sa A word Concerning your boys to pirtcler [particular] Alford. thay ar both very good boys and A gret deal thaught of by the Company and pirticly [particularly] all tell you he is A man and you need never fear but what he will get A long.

ritten by Thomas Hafer

Alford Bartley to his father and mother

OBITUARY.

Died, of camp fever, at Camp Cotton Hill, Nov. 23d, 1862, Cyrus Shobe, of Company K, 89th O.V.I. Prior to his enlistment he resided near Frankfort, Ohio; but in response to the call of the President, he bade adieu to home and friends, stepped into the ranks and until his death, faithfully and honorably discharged the duties assigned to him. He was always found at his post; ever ready and willing to perform his part, and never did his officers have occasion to reprove or censure him. He was kind and affectionate, and had won the good will and esteem of all around him. Although of rugged constitution the constant exposures to which he was subjected, gave him a cold, which settled upon his lungs, and soon the proud form of our brave soldier was cold in death. That noble and patriotic spirit which had lead him forth to battle for the cause of liberty had fled. His death was calm and peaceful. As the shades of night gently fall around us, closing in the last ray of light, so seemed the mantle of death to settle upon him, shutting him from our view. He spoke of death without fear; said he was ready and willing to die. He spoke of his brothers, and wished us to tell them to live right and follow him. Thus has one of our number so quickly passed away. May we be consoled with the thought that his life was not in vain, but sacrificed to a noble cause; and let us try to imitate his example.

W. E.

The Scioto Gazette of 16 Dec 62, Tribute of Respect for Cyrus Shobe

Tribute of Respect

At a meeting of the members of Company K, (Capt. Adam’s Company,) 89th Regiment, O.V.I., held in our Company quarters, at Camp Fenwick, Va., Nov. the 25th, 1862, Orderly H. Beard was called to the Chair, and John Cline, Jr., appointed Secretary.

On motion, the following members, David Pliley, John F. Hill and John Cline, Jr, were appointed as committee to draft resolutions as a tribute of respect to our brother soldier, Cyrus Shobe, who died at Camp Cotton Hill, Va., Nov. the 23d, 1862.

On motion, the meeting adjourned to meet Nov. the 27th, 1862 – when the following resolutions wee unanimously adopted:

Whereas, it has pleased Divine Providence to take from our midst our much esteemed friend and comrade, Cyrus Shobe, therefore,

Resolved, That we mourn the loss as one irreparable. Being ever ready to administer to the wants of suffering humanity, and ever faithful to the duties assigned him, he has merited and gained our undivided love and respect.

Resolved, That we remember the sacrifices he has made for our good, and for the good of all who love the cause of liberty. That we remember the example of him whose brave and heroic heart was one of kindness to all around him.

Resolved, That we deeply sympathize with the friends and relatives of the deceased, whose loss time cannot repair, whose hearthstone vacant and dreary, and from whose memory he cannot soon depart.

Resolved, That a copy of the proceedings be sent to the friends and relatives of the deceased, and also to the office of the Scioto Gazette, soliciting its publication.

Orderly H. Beard, Chairman.

John Cline, Jr., Secretary

David Pliley,

John F. Hill,

John Cline, jr