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to Mary Epperly

Describes a march toward Fredricksburg, Virginia where his unit encountered and engaged a large number of Yankees (Massaponax, 5 August 1862). Wrties of his appreciation of his wife's offer to raise money to hire a substitute, but says that General...

GLC02715.025

to Mary Epperly

Writes from North Ames Creek that he wants to hire a substitute. Says he believes the army must accept a substitute, if one can be found. Mentions the Yankees are heading toward Manassas, Virginia.

GLC02715.026

five letters to his family

There are five letters on one folded sheet. Includes two letters from Epperly to Mary Epperly, one letter from Epperly to Harvey D. Phleagar, one letter from Epperly to his "Mother" Catharine Phleagar, and a letter to his "Brothers." Mentions a...

GLC02715.027

to Mary Epperly

States the army returned to Virginia (likely referring to the men who fought in the Battle of Antietam, which his unit did not.) Asks Mary to write to him the moment anyone becomes ill so he has an excuse to come home.

GLC02715.028

to Mary Epperly

States that the army is centered around Winchester, Virginia. Advises his wife to send her letters to "Capt. Henery Stuarts Hors Artillery."

GLC02715.029

to Mary Epperly

Writes that he misses her and promises to write to other family members.

GLC02715.030

to Mary Epperly

Suggests she name the baby (likely his son) Christian Dolphus.

GLC02715.031

to Mary Epperly

Says he does not grieve for his lost brothers and sisters, but trusts in God that they will meet in heaven someday. States the army is near Winchester, Virginia. Mentions his hopes of receiving a furlough.

GLC02715.032

to Catharine Phleagar

Says the army has been quiet, but he believes a big battle is coming. He mentions food available and a lack of soap. Asks Mary, his wife, to make him a shirt, drawers, pants, and a knit cap. Notes he received two months pay and that he intends to...

GLC02715.033

to Mary Epperly

States he is nearly barefoot and hopes to get his boots soon. Mentions that General [W.E.B.] Stuart rode around [General George] McClellan's army in Maryland. Page four is a religious poem.

GLC02715.034

to Mary Epperly

Writes from camp complaining that the Yankees "steal" people's stock and grain to supply their army. Tells Mary that if she has any grain she should use it to fatten up the pigs and sell them. Also discuses the price of corn, bacon, and butter.

GLC02715.035

to Mary Epperly

Describes engagements between Confederate artillery and cavalry and Union forces. States his unit almost lost two guns when the Yankee cavalry charged past them. He places the battle at Marrun Station, Fauquier County, Virginia.

GLC02715.036

to Mary Epperly

Says he may not be able to get a furlough. Mentions the army is moving toward Rapidan Station, but he expects a fight near Culpeper.

GLC02715.037

to Mary Epperly

Writes from camp in Spotsylvania County, Virginia that the Yankees are camped across the river. Notes that all the civilians have left Fredericksburg in fear of Federal bombardment.

GLC02715.038

to Mary Epperly

Informs Mary that Joseph, her brother, was wounded in the arm, and the doctors had to amputate it. Says he nursed Joseph while he was in camp and wanted to accompany him to Richmond, Virginia but General [William Henry Fitzhugh] Lee would not allow...

GLC02715.039

to Mary Epperly

Notes the Yankees are once again across the river. Says the army has gone into winter quarters in cloth tents. States that General [W.H.F.] Lee will submit his application for a furlough to General Stuart.

GLC02715.040

to Mary Epperly

Writes his wife from Camp Leids. Sends her $115 and requests that she pay a $75 debt to David Williams.

GLC02715.041

to Mary Epperly

Writes from Camp Leids that there is a case of smallpox in the company, but he does not think it will spread since the company has been vaccinated. States that the Yankees are crossing the river above Fredricksburg, Virginia. Notes he will likely...

GLC02715.042

to Mary Epperly

Advises Mary from Camp Loids to sell the grain before the government takes it at a very cheap price. Warns her to watch any Cavalry men that may be in the area because they steal chickens and "beecomes." Offers a lengthy description of their...

GLC02715.043

to Mary Epperly

Writes two letters from Camp Lee; one to Harvey and George and the other to his wife Mary Epperly. Informs Mary that the Cavalry is being issued furloughs but his Captain will not issue any. He thinks the unit will desert if they do not receive...

GLC02715.044

to Mary Epperly

Writes from Camp Lee that the Yankees are crossing the river. Says he expects another fight near Fredricksburg, Virginia. Notes his unit has been order to go to Orange County, Virginia.

GLC02715.045

to Harvey & George

The letter is signed "Marion" which is possibly Christain M. Epperly's middle name. The handwriting appears to be the same as Christian Epperly's. Writes from Camp Lee that he grows tired of fighting and dislikes the cursing in camp.

GLC02715.046

to Mary Epperly

Discusses the Battle of Culpeper. Informs here that Major Pelham was killed and [W.F.H.] Lee lost 250 men. Mentions the high price of food including bacon, which now sells for $3 a pound.

GLC02715.047

to Mary Epperly

Writes from Camp Lee that his company intends to go home in the spring. Justifies desertion saying that the army would not give them any furloughs.

GLC02715.049

to Mary Epperly

Believes the Yankees are heading toward Gordon's ville to cut the railroad to Lynchburg, Virgina. Informs her that two men in camp have gotten married. Expresses his desire to go home.

GLC02715.050