_Near Bunker Hill, Jefferson County, Va.,
July 17, 1863._
You will see by this letter that we have gotten back into “Old
Virginia” again. It seems that our invasion of the North did not prove
successful. We fought a dreadful battle at Gettysburg, Pa. It was the
greatest battle of the war. We drove the Yankees three miles from the
battlefield to a long range of high hills, from which it was impossible
to dislodge them. General Lee had to fall back to keep them from
getting the advantage. My brother was not hurt in the battle. Milton
Bossard, Captain Cromer, Buford Wallace, Mr. Daniel’s two sons and many
others from Newberry were killed; but it is better for us all to be
killed than conquered.
We have had some very disagreeable marching, as it has rained so much,
but I have gotten hold of an old horse, which helps me along very much.
We have plenty of beef and bread to eat. We gathered up thousands of
beeves in Pennsylvania--enough to feed our army until cold weather.
This is a great consideration.
My servant got lost in Maryland. I do not think it was his intention
to leave, but he was negligent about keeping up and got in rear of the
army and found it too late to cross the river.
One of your letters came to me in Pennsylvania, and three since we left
there.
We hear that Vicksburg has fallen. That is unfortunate, but I do not
feel at all discouraged. Countries have been overrun, and then not
conquered.
When we get settled down in camp again I will try to write you a longer
and better arranged letter. We don’t know what minute we may move, and
under such circumstances I never can write with any satisfaction. I
have George’s picture yet. It is a wonder I did not lose it.