Elijah's Story 1862

CAMP WARREN VA

Dear Father

I recd your very welcome Letter of the 1st and was glad to hear that you were all well. I am about well now although I have got a very Bad cold. Owen McGinnis gave me the Tincture Lobelia that you sent. When I was in the hospital I went to town and Bought 25cts worth of the Extract of Dandeline which done me more good than anything Else. I recd a Letter from Jeff. I will answer It the first time that I get. Wm Shields will be at home in a week or two. 5 goes home this week from our Co. We all Drawed, Bill was one of the lucky 5. John Kelly and I have put up a small tent to Our Selves we can Live mighty nice this winter if we don't have to move. Nothing of importance has happened Since I wrote Last. I am sorry to hear of Cousin Laury's death. I would Like to See Aunt Phebe's folks very well. I Still think that I will get to come home before Spring if I have good Luck. We have a good Deal of Rainy and wet weather at present. It rained yesterday and Last night Pretty Smart. I give my Love to all of the folks and friends

Your Son as ever Lige
to Ariel Beeman

P S Write Soon Give my Love to Aunt Sarah Uncle Ethels and the children
So Good Bye

Direct to Elijah Beeman
Co A 12th Regt O V's
Charleston Va.

January 8th, 1862 writes to brother Jefferson:

CAMP WARREN VA

Dear Brother

I undertake this Pleasant morning to answer your very welcome letter which I recd from you sometime ago . I am well again and am happy to hear that you are the same. John Kelly and I have put up a Small tent for Our Selves we have it fixed very comfortable and with those two comfortes that we got from home we can Keep Pretty well. I am glad to hear that you are going to School. You soon will be 17. What do you think about the girls anyhow. I am afraid Beeman will have to keep his youngest son from going to see the Boy that helped Press our Hay. Well Jeff Our Regts have got new guns imported from Prushia they are 69/100 of inch calibre. They carry a minnie ball which weighs about 1 1/2 ozs. Their Longest Ranges is 1000 yds. They are what you might call Sholder Cannon. There has been a Battery of 4 or 5 Peaces attached to the 12th Regt. I think we have one of the Best Colonels that Ever was in Western Virginia he was Captain in the Mexican War and was present at The hard fought Battles of that Campain. I don't Believe that he has an Enemy in his Regt. Well Jeff I don't know when I will get to come home. Ever thing is So uncertain. Will Shields has got his furlough he is one of five that goes home out of our company this week. All of the Numbers But five are Blanks. If I should be one of the Lucky 5 that gets to come next week I will write and Let you know. John Kelly and I talk of going to town tomorrow and get our pictures taken. You did not tell me who Was teaching this winter. O Yes Jeff, Whighting 's Brother was killed at the Battle of Crosslanes Last August. Perhaps you heard of the 7th Regt. O V Being Surrounded By fluid forces and a good many of them Being taken Prisoners. One Company of the 7th was from Oberlin Ohio. Ed Grim has not got Back yet although his time was up two or three days ago. You wrote about Jacob Smith being So Sick I hope he is better By this time. Jake was a first rate Soldier but he never was So hearty after he had the Measles. Neather was John Skinner Who at first was one of the Stoutest Boys in the Company. Have you heard anything from Isaac Buttler

On January 11th, 1862 Elijah writes to his Father:

CAMP WARREN VA

Dear Father

I recd your welcome letter, as well as the medacine that you sent by Ed Grim. I was glad to hear that you were all Well. father I am about well with the exception of a very bad cold. The Receipt of the medacine came very acceptable. The Weather here is cloudy with an occasional Shower of Rain Bill Shields started home the ninth inst. Well father I Don't Know When I can come home. I hope I will get to This winter though, I'm glad to hear that you sold your Pork. I should think that It would have Been a better Price. The Soldiers are death on Meat. How does The wheat Look This winter. I am athinking that we will hear Pre tty soon of the Downfall of Charleston It would be a severe Punnishment of those who first agitate the question of Rebelion. Things Begin to Look more Prosperos here lately. I wonder what Truman Holmes Thinks of The Present Crisis. What has become of Dr. Cooper. Has Bell got well yet Martha Holmes Married Rebecca Drake Married Bully for them. None left for me. Well I guess I can live at home when the war is over I want you to tell Uncle to write

Give my Love to all Your Son
as ever Lige
To Ariel Bee man
Write soon so good Bye
Excuse haste

January 27th 1862 Elijah writes to his brother Jefferson...

CAMP WARREN VA

Dear Brother

I recd your very welcome Letter the 25th But have not had time to write any sooner. Yesterday was the first pleasant Sunday that we have had since we have Been in this Camp. The news of Galicuffers Defeat was gladly recd By the Boys. If all the reports are true it will be a Pretty smart of a loss for Seceshdom it is among one of the first Instances of the Rebles attacking us. Will Shields has not arrived yet although his time was up two or three days ago. This is another Beautiful morning it looks pretty smart Like Spring. Jim Shafer arrived here Last night he said the boys would be up today. Well Brother as regards Hardee I am not perfect yet. But if England should undertake to whip the United States, I would object to it. Hardee has not helped me much yet and I don't know whether he will or not. But it is well enough to know something of the Gaeties. There is something more than human acts that Presides over Battles, That Strengthens the weak and overthrows the Strong. Well Jeff you talk as though the girles were afraid that I would Lose one of my Legs and they have concluded to have you and be shure of getting a fellow that has Legs and arms to all creation. I am glad to hear that Uncle. Ethels' folks are well. But I am sorry to say that I can't tell you when I will Be at home our Co has drawed again But I was not one of the Lucky boys. O yes Jeff you never told me what girles of my acquaintance have Beaux Whether they ever ask about me or not. All such things amuse me Especially when it is Her. Well Jeff if I was at home now and you and John hadn't anything to do I think the Poor Rabbits would have to get up and dust. What has become of Trip and Maud O yes and of Bash Charley and all of the horses. When I remember the surroundings of home I often wonder Whether things are as they used to Be It seams to me that I would act kind of green if I was to undertake to ride on horse back or hitch up to haul Wood or Such Like. I have Just Been out and shot off my gun, It shoots a conical Bull hollow at the Base of one 1.00 weight. Marked to carry 1000 yds. But a person can't Shoot to much Certainty that Distance. Well Jeff, Soldiering is Pretty hard Business about as I expected to find it and I am thankful to say that I had very good health till we came to this Camp. I at first had the Jaundice. I came out of the Hospital too soon and I caught a very Bad cold which I am afraid has settled upon my Lungs. It makes me cough a good Deal at nights. James Ireland and I have got a bottle of German Bitters. I feel some Better today. The Bitters are the Best medacine that I can get. Now Jeff I want you to write and tell me all about the general affairs of the vicinity.

My Love to all. Receive my Best wishes. So Good Bye Excuse poor writing.

From Your Brother as ever
Lige

On January 29th 1862 Elijah writes his Sister:

Camp Warren

Dear Sister

I have Looked for a Letter from you for some time But as I have not Recd any I intend to write again. I suppose you have seen Will Shields Since he came home if you have he has told you how we Draw for furlough. Our Co has Drawed again But I was not Lucky enough to get one. Well Ann I would feel pretty well if it was not for my cough which bothers me pretty smart During the nights. Well Jeff is 17 to day. if I was at home I take him down just for fun though I don't feel much like a man at present. Sister I think if you was to see Lige you would not know him. Think you would. We have had pretty wet weather for some time past. The river has been very high. But is falling very fast now. John Kelly and I got our minatures taken they were Both put in one case Will Shields took them to Kellys when he went home. John and I have got a small tent to our selves. which makes it More pleasant. I gave Bill Shields a small knife to give to Jeff. The scabard was worn out so I could not carry it very well. has he got it we would have pretty good times if it was not for standing guard watch we have to do Two or three Days out of a week. Ann is your sore throat any Better I have not heard from you for some time I would like to know. Well Sister I would like to come home very well But I don't know when I will get to. Sister give my love to all of the folks accept of a portion yourself and Live in Hope. My love to Uncle's folks.

Write soon and oblige your Brother in truth

So Good Bye all
Elijah
Co A 12th Regt O V

On February 2nd 1862 again writes his Sister:

Camp Warren Va

Dear Sister

I Recd your very welcome Letter this morning I was glad to hear that you were all well This is the first Pleasant morning that we have had for some time. The sun shines very bright and Beautiful this Sabbath morning. Some of our Regt have went out upon a Scout They started early. some of Jenkins cavalry has Been seen. I was talking with Will Shields he said that he went along the road past our house and promised to come there in a day or so But it rained so hard that he could not get to. I am well now with exception of a slight cold. Well Sister I don't know when I will get to come home. How did you hear that I got the mittens It is the truth all such mittens as them are always acceptable now sister be of good cheer. If I don't get to come home this Winter I shall continue to write from time to time and I want you to do the same. It always does me a Great Deal of good to hear from the only sister that I have How do you en joy yourself Ann. I long to be at home & enjoy a fireside talk once more I suppose the girles and other friends of my acquaintance have almost ceased to think of me. Well Ann I want you to tell Mrs. Shawhan & the rest of the Kind neighbors that I hope to be at home soon and have a good talk with them all. I have a Natural liking for elder Ladies like most all other children. Ann do you ever go out Riding any more. I think if I come home you must take a ride with your soldier Brother. I am thankful that I have a Sister to Love and Protect tell me if you got that Ring that I sent you some two months ago if not I will make another if I can get the Materials. Have you heard anything from Iowa lately. I have Been thinking of writing to Aunt Phebe for some time But have not Done so yet. John Kelly and I had our likness taken. But I was as yellow as a pumpkin at the time his was a very good picture. Well Sister I will bring my writing to a close Hoping that the same Kind Providence that has Kept me from harm may guard you all from harm from day to day Write Soon to a loving Brother give my Love to all of the folks and friends.

Your Brother as ever
Elijah
Co A 12th Regt O V

Tell me whither you have got my coat & vest I shall want to wear them if I come home.

February 10th, 1862 writes to his Father:

CAMP WARREN VA

Dear Father

I would have wrote sooner But I have been waiting to see if I would be Lucky enough to get a furlough. But as it is I did not. I feel thankful to say that I have fully Recovered. I begin to feel Mor Like myself again I don't know wither I write to you about John and I having Our likeness taking a few. I was Rather Yellow at the time so you see it was not as natural as might Be expected. This has Been a very beautiful Day. The Sun shone Brightly and it's warm and Genial ways reminded me of Home. The capture of Fort Henry Has Been confirmed. I am glad to Hear that you are all well Hothing of importance has happened in this vicinity all Quiet on the Kanawha. Father I hope you will excuse Poor writing and Haste for I have to go on ??????? in the morning and it is getting Pretty Late Give My Love to all

I Remain your ever grateful Son
Elijah

Tell Jeff I will answer his letter when I get time I shall close By wishing you all good Night My Love to Uncle Ethel's folks

Write when convenient
Direct to
Co A 12th Regt O V's

February 14th, 1862 writes to his brother Jefferson:

Camp Warren, Va.

Dear Brother Jeff

I rec'd your very welcome letter of the 5th and was glad to hear that you were all well. So I would have answered it sooner, But as I had Just wrote several letters home I thought it was not worth while. Nothing of importance has happened since I wrote to you last. The same regular routine of camp life. Yesterday was about as pleasant as any that we have had this winter, but it set in raining last night, and is quite blustery this morning. The Boys are getting to be very mischievous. They are able to master their rations very handy.

Our Recent victorys in Tennessee and at Roanoke Island have been confirmed. So you see victory seams to be on our side here of, ???????, I don't pretend to say that the union army is perfect. That honor flows in every department. But I say this, that I believe it is nearer right ??????? then the Reble army. I had quite a talk with a secesh woman when I was upon picket the other day, and I think less of the Rebble cause now than ever. She said that the north had got to be more numerous than the south, so they could elect the President whenever a President was to be elected, and the southern men could not bear to have a President from the north. What a selfish people they must be. Nearly all of the Presidents since this has been a Republic were from the South. So you see that the moment they Rebelled they violated the Constitution, By not living up to the laws made by their confederates.

Brother you wouldn't believe how ignorant the common people are in Virginia. Not more than one in ten among the mountains can read. So you see they think that what their leaders say is true. They never hear but one side of Politics _ never see them presented but in a selfish way. Where their wrongs, if they have any, are deeply engraved, and our present interference with their local institutions are magnified, Schooling the minds of the Populace to consider the acts of their Leaders Justafiable without Regard to right or wrong.

Brother it is interesting to hear of the common things at home. I would like to see John's horse which you wrote about first rate. I wonder if Bash would know me if I was to come home, which I Believe I would tenfold rather favor than to soldier. I am glad to hear that you got along so well studying grammar. You have such chances to improve that you will be a way ahead of your Brother Lige. I am glad to hear that you don't run about much, for it is a very Bad habit to get into. Never yeald to temptation Brother _ always try to do your duty. If you ever should get into bad company, Be Reserved, never forsake our principle of virtue to please those Persons in whose company you are.

Well, enough of this needless counsel. Yes, I am glad to hear that Mother found the calf that she said I let out of the field. Ask her if she won't give it to me if I were to get home. If I keep a Bachelors Hall I will need one cow at least. Well, Jeff this sheet is full and I'm not done yet

On February 20th, 1862 Elijah writes to his brother John.

Dear Brother,

I recieved your very welcome letter of the??? But I had just wrote one to Jeff. I thought I would not answer it immediately ??? P. Clement and the rest of the boys that were at home, arreived here the 17. Joseph H. ??? brought a letter with some shigur cakes from home. They all came very acceptable. Jeff wrote and I will answer his letter pretty soon. This has been rather a ??? disagreeable week so far and pretty ??? of snow fell last Saturday. I was upon picket at the time it turned way cold in the evening nut we did not suffer much for the want of fire. As for the pailes were pretty plenty. We have said a good deal of men here of late. Our army victorious in almost every engagement. Brother I think the war will be over by next fall, at least I hope so. At first the Rebbles had the start of us, they robed our arcenalls. And left us almost destitue of arms. But we are up to them now. So let them flicker. I am sorry to hear of Mr. Shawhan's sickness. I hope he will be well soon. When the news of the fall of The ?????? came here there was quite a joyous time. The Artilery Co. fired 34 rounds. Nothing of importance has happened here since I last wrote. Tom Bailey was out here the other day. I expect when he gets home that he will have more to tell than an ordinary man would. Who has been in Virginia several months. Well John I feel about as well as I did when I left home. I have not finished mending my pants. I put a patch upon the seat nearly a foot square. When I first came soldering I would trust my clothes??? await But I soon found that it would not do. So I am getting pretty good on a ??? Tell Mother that I will help her if I git to get home. Well John I want you to write whatever it is ??? So I will do the same. Give my love to all of the folks ??? ??? ??? did. I remain your Brother as ever. Still hoping if we never meet on earth that we may meet where happyness reigns. ???? & Sorrow ??? not.

Elijah

February 21st, 1862 Elijah writes his Sister;

Camp, Warren, Va

Dear Sister

I recd your very welcome Letter this Morning I was glad to hear that your throat is Better than it was when I left home. Those things that you sent to me by Jo. Gudlum came through safe and were gladly received you may be shure. Well Ann what do you think of the least likness of mine. It is rather dark on the account of my haveing the jaundice at the time. I believe you have the one that I had taken the day that I left. Have you seen Nunt since she joined church. I hope she will not be angry with you on account of your Brother. Well Ann I think the war will be over by next fall if our troops still continue to be victorious if it is and I am to live I shouldn't wonder if you would see Lige a breaking for Mr. Beemans on double quick time. Well you have improved very fast in writing here of late. I'm always c glad to get a letter from you. I guess you get two or three Letters from me every week in fact I wrote so many letters home that I am almost at a loss to know what to write.

I got a Letter from father the other day. I will answer it when anything happens worth writing about. That beaf that you sent me is the best that I have tasted since I left home. Sister please excuse me for not writing more give my Love to all of the Friends

Your Brother as ever
E Beeman
To Ann E Beeman
Morrow Ohio

March 15th, 1862 writes his brother Jefferson:

Camp Warren, Va.

Dear Brother

Once more I take my pen in hand to write a few lines to you. I am thankful to Say that I have Been Blessed with good health Ever since I wrote to you last. I wrote Cousin Cecilia a letter yesterday. I was glad to hear from her and Family. I am sorry to hear that you are unwell again. I hope you will Recover soon. This has been a very warm day, with plenty of rain, which makes the vegetation begin to revive. How glad I will be to see nature put on her coat of loveliness again that I might enhale the sweet fragrance of her many flowers. Jeff, I often think of the vanities of this world, when the Bright and happy Heaven with its Everlasting Glory is open to my vision then I see more clearly the Besetting sins of this life. Then I see more clearly the mercy of the omnipotent Power who has spaired our lives so far. Who has kept us unharmed through the many tribulations while others as good by nature as ourselves have Been swept from the Earth and are only known as among the Departed. Dear Brother let us try and live Justly Praying that we may be Kept from temptation so that We can have a hope of Eternal Happyness Beyond this world of sorrow. The thoughts of peaceful Days spent at Home around the family fireside, when the evil Pashions of the Human nature vanish before the love that we have for Each Other. All of these are pleasant Rememberances of Bygone days. But how much more infinite are the Blessings of the incomprehensable.

Well Jeff there is not much News in camp. I expect We will leave here when the Weather becomes Suitable for us to march. As I have nothing of importance to write I will Bring my letter to a close by wishing you all good night -- Give my Love to all

I Remain your Brother
as Ever E Beeman

Good night -- Write when convenient.

April 26th, 1862 Elijah writes his Sister;

Camp Warren, Va.

Dear Sister

It is with pleasure that I undertake to answer your welcome Letter which I recd a fiew days ago. We are still in camp with no signs of leaving very soon. The people in and around Charleston have sent in a petition to the affect that if any Regiment was to be stationed here that it might be the 12th. I shouldn't think that would make any difference with Fremont. But perhaps it May. It has rained five days out of six in fact this is the first pleasant day that we have had for some time. The trees are coming out in leaf very fast. I suppose vegitation here is two weeks farther advanced than in Ohio. Well Ann, what happy thoughts pass through my mind when I think of the Blessings of peace when families are united. Truly we know not the horrors of war till peace has fled. I am happy to say that my health still continues very good. The boys say that I am fater than they ever saw me before. I got a letter from cousin Leona, Ann, the other day She said that the folks are all well. There has nothing of importance hapened worth relating we have preaching every Sunday. there is not more than 20 or so that attend. in the Regt. Well, Ann I suppose you will have some nice flowers this spring. I expect I think more of pretty flowers than I do of the girles. Don't you think so Ann. I have Been mending my pants to day. I am some pumpkin on a mend you had better believe Well Ann give my love to all of the friends let us hope for better days to come. trust in God who directs all things in heaven and on earth. Dear Sister please excuse me for not writing more. My love to father mother Aunt Polly Shawhan and all of Uncle Ethels folks write when convenient and oblige your ever loving Brother.

May God bless you all
good night
Elijah
To Ann

On April 29th, 1862 Elijah writes to his parents...

March 28th, 1862 writes his brother Jefferson:

CAMP WARREN, VA.

Dear Brother,

I Recd Your very welcome letter of the 23rd and was glad to hear from you and to hear that the folks were all well. There has nothing of importance transpired Since I wrote to you last. This is a beautiful morning and Everthing seams peaceful and happy about camp. The music of the Band as they play at guard mounting, Sounds Joyful and it floats through the valley, and is Re echoed as it assends the adjacent Clifts. I am glad to hear of Mr Shawhan's improving health and hope he will Be well Soon. I Recd a paper of the 18th Yesterday. I sent John a Patrole (?) Some time ago. O yes I sent a phrenogical chart to father with a discription of my Block head given by Mr. James. I wrote a letter to Cousin Cecilia Sometime ago But have not got an answer yet. When I first Read about the Stove wood that you had Reference to I could not think where you ment but I presume you ment near Mr. Baley's does he still live there yet. I like to hear how you are progressing with the farm. It is more interesting to me than you suppose. Can father still Raise those yearly Payments? After I Settle up for the clothing that I have Recd of Uncle Sam I will Endever to send more Money home than I have done heretofore. Tell Mother that I have drawed more clothes than any other Boy in the Company. I lost a suit when I went swimming the day after the Battle of Carnifex. For which I presume I will not have to pay for, if not the clothing Bill will be pretty moderate. Well Jeff vegetation Begins to look in a growing condition which Indicates the approach of warm weather. I do not know how soon we will leave the camp. Perhaps when The Roads get passable. 2 weeks more I shouldent wonder if you would hear of Newbern Upon the Tenn and Virginia R. R. Being invested. I believe there has been more wet weather here than I ever seen. I suppose though it has Been about as Bad in Ohio. Well Our army Still continues to move and generally with success. I hope to see most of the fighting over By next fall at the furtherest and It Shurely will if our Arms are crowned with victory as they have been these fiew months Past. I don't think there is any danger of the Rebels a getting this Valley Back. They would have to get Gauley first which is a Young Gibralter with nearly enough Parott guns mounted to Shake Loose the Surrounding Clifts. Well Jeff most all of the Boys are in good health myself Encluded. Well Brother, we have a very good Chaplain. I believe he is an Old School Presbyterian and a true Christain. The Christains, Members of different Churches through out the Regiment have Organised a Church. Before which by the Grace of our Lord Jesus I hope to Be Enabled to confess my Sins and by his helping hand be upheld through Life and through his grace and Mercy Be Saved in the End. Dear Brother I have Been in the Midst of death and seen others as good By nature as myself Swept from Earth By violence and By disease and found his Presence a great consolation. None can be truly Brave without a hope Beyond this Life that fadeth not away. Brother give my love to all Enquiring friends all the folks Encluded. Pray for your Brother who is in the Service of his country. Let us hope for happy days to come and pray Least we Be led into temptation. Remember me to all of the friends.

I Remain your Brother as Ever
Elijah Beeman
To Jeff

April 29th, 1862 writes his Parents:

On May 16th, 1862 Elijah's Regiment fought at Princeton, West Virginia.

Their Regiment then stayed and held this location until August.

On May 26th 1862 Elijah writes the following to Brother, Jefferson:

FLAT top MOUNTAIN
23 miles from PRINCETON

Dear Brother,

I Recd Your very welcome letter a few minutes ago and hasten to write an answer. It is the first that I have had from home for some time, a month at the shortest. I wrote a letter to father a day or two before we left Camp Warren stating that ten of our Company were going to take a Scout in place of its being a Scout we were sent to guard two prisioners to Sutton, Va. Who have since been hung. Perhaps You seen the account of it in the papers. We did not go any farther than Gauley Bridge. Our Regt. left the next day and we were ordered back. Met our Regt. the 3rd at Loop Creek Landing 6 miles below the Bridge. We camped over Sunday. Took up our Line of march Monday. Marched over Cotton Mountain. Distance 10 miles. Marched 10 miles the next day. Nothing of importance happened along the Rout. Camped at McCoys 15 miles from Beckley arrived at Beckley the next day. Rested Thursday. I sent a few lines to father by Jim Niranda Perhaps he has Recd them ere this. Here we heard that the 23rd and 30th Regts needed our help they having met a superior force near East River some sixty miles from Beckley. We started early the next morning (it being friday) Marched 26 miles Bivoucked for the night having left our tents behind. Started early for Princeton arrived there about 4 O'clock. And We felt pretty tired Having Marched 42 miles in less than two days. Our men were ordered to March all night but were too tired. The Colonel thought that we had it hard enough without Mooveing till Morning. Princeton has been a very pretty place, it is burned though now. The enemy burned it when our troops were advancing. Everything Shows how we were missrepresented to the citizens along the Rout. A number of farm houses had met with the same usuage. Some of the inhabitants had sense enough to stay at home. Most of those that did were well treated. We left camp Sunday morning the 11th about Eight O'clock arrived at the mouth of East River some time in the afternoon. Having marched 60 miles in three days. We found that our forces Had fell back to a strong position. Near a place called Stony Gap. Two or three days previous the 23rd Had taken possession of Pearisburg, the country seat of Giles Co. They got some 200 bshls of flour and a large amount of Bacon and whiskey. They were living upon the top shelf when the enemy came in one morning with a very strong force. Then they had to get up and skedadle to keep from being cut to pieces, but not until they had destroyed the captured flour, Bacon and (apple Brandy instead Of Whiskey). They only lost one man killed and four or five wounded in their retreat. As nearly all of the boys had gum Blankets they made quite comfortable quarters the same evening that we arrived and slept very sound notwithstand. Nothing but a mountain seperated us from the enemy. The next day we stayed about camp most of the time. Having no further orders. Gen. Cox with the Second Brigade was some distance behind. The next day Lieut. Col. Hines with some 20 men I being one of the number took a Scout to the top of Peters Mountain a high point of the Aleghany Range, it being the Mountain that seperated us from our Southern neighbors. We arrived there about 10 O'clock. We went with the intention of seeing the Rebel Camp and was not disappointed. Wecould see their Camp very distinctly with the naked eye. Ours was also visible from the same point. The mountain from the top was something in the shape of the roof of a house with a small foot path along the Highest part. The other boys as well as the Col. were intently looking at the Rebel Camp. I did not Like the Looks of the path, for foot prints could be distinguished very plain. So I thought I would follow it up as a bush-whacker Could shoot one of us and make his escape through the Bushes. I went about 3 paces then stopped to look. Sure enough I had not been looking in vain for along came a Regular secesh with his gun across his Shoulder. At the first sight I thought I would take him Prisioner But I hadn't had time to think before he saw me and was about bringing his gun to bear upon me. I thought that I wouldn't run the risk of being Pluged So I up and Blazed away. Just as the smoke was clearing away I saw him make a few Staggers and Break for Camp. I was glad that I didn't kill the fellow though I guess the ball came pretty close. Close enough for health at any rate. We started for Camp arrived in good time having marched about 8 miles. Nothing of importance Happened the next day. The morning of the 15th Col Hines Sent me and four others on another Scout. It was so cloudy that we could not see anything. Brother I would like to tell you all But we leave Camp and I haven't time. Excuse poor writing Our company is ordered to get ready as soon as possible With two days rations. Excuse poor writing. I remain your Brother as ever. Give my love to all the friends from your Brother Elijah. Write soon. So good Bye I will tell you all the rest of the news some other time. I never Had Better Health In my life than singe we left Camp Warren. My Love to Uncle Ethels family. I hope I will have time to finish the next letter that I write. Write Soon

Lige
To Jeff Beeman

On May 26th, 1862 writes to brother Jefferson.

Flat top Mountain

23 miles from ???

Dear Brother,

I received your very welcome letter a few minutes ago and hasten to write an answer. It is the first that I have had from home for some time. A month at the shortest. I wrote a letter to Father a day or two before we left camp Warren stating that ten of our Company are going to take a scout, in place of its being a scout we were sent to guard two prisoners to Sutton, Virginia who have since been hung, perhaps you seen the account of it in the papers. We did not go any farther than ??? Bridge. Our Regiment left the next day and we were ordered back, was one Regiment the 3rd at Loop CreekLanding 6 miles before the bridge we camped over Sunday. Took up our line of March Monday. Marched over Cotton Mountain. Distance 11 miles. Marched 16 miles the next day nothing of importance happened along the road. Camped at McCoy's 15 miles from Beckley arrived at Beckley the next day. Rested Thursday I sent a few lines to Father by Jim M???. Perhaps he has recieved them ??? this. Here we heard that the 23rd and 30th Regiments needed our help. They having met a superior force near East River. Some ??? miles from Beckley. We started early the next morning.(it being Friday) Marched 26 miles ??? for the night. ??? left our ??? behind, started early for Princeton arrived there about 4 oclock A. M. felt pretty tired having marched 42 miles in less than 2 days. Our men were ordered to march all night but were too tired the Colonel thought that we had it hard enough without moving till morning. Princeton has been a very pretty place it is burned though now. The enemy burned it when our troops were advancing. Everything shows how we were misrepresented to the citizens along the road. A number of farm houses had met with the same usage some of the inhabitants had sense enough to stay at home Most of those that did were well recieved. We left ?????? morning the 11th about 8 oclock arrived at the mouth of east river some time in the afternoon having marched 60 miles in three days. Ive found that our forces had fell back to a strong position. Near a place called Stoney Gap. Two or three days later previous the 23rd had taken posession of Parisburg the county seat of Giles County. they got some 200 lbs of flour and a larga amount of Bacon and Whiskey. They were living upon the top shelf when the enemy came in one morning with a very strong force. Then they had to get up and skedadle to keep from being cut to peaces. but not till thay had destroyed the captured flour bacon and apple brandy instead of whiskey. They only lost one man killed and four or five wounded in their retreat. As nearly all of the Boys had gum blankets they made quite comfortable quarters the same evening that we arrived and slept very sound. Nothing but a mountain seperated us from the enemy. The next day we stayed about camp most of the time having no further orders. Gen Cox with the 2nd Brigade was some distance behind. The next day Colonel ??? with some 20 men I being one of the number took a scout to the top of Peters Mountain a high point of the Aleghany Range it being the mountain that seperated us from our southern neighbors. We arrived there about 10 oclock we went with the intention of seeing the Reble Camp and was not dissapointed. we could see there camp very distinctly with the naked eye. Ours was also visible from the same point. The mountain at the top was something in the shape of the roof of a house with a small footpath along the highest part. The other boys as well as the Colonel were intently cooking at the Reble camp. I did not like the looks of the path for foot prints could be distinguished very plain so I thought I would follow it up as a bush-whacker could shoot one of us and make his escape through the bushes I went about 30 paces then stoped to look. Sure enough I had not been looking in vain for along came a Regular secesh with his gun across his shoulder at the first sight I thought I would take him Prisoner but I hadnt ??? time to think before he saw Me and was about bringing his gun to bear upon me. I thought that I woundnt run the risk of being pluged so I up and blazed away. Just as the smoke was clearing away I saw him make a few staggers and break for camp. I was glad that I didnt kill the fellow though I guess the ball came pretty close. close enough for health ???. We started for camp arrived in good time having marched about 8 miles nothing of importance hapened the next day. The morning of the 15th Colonel Hines sent me and four others on another scout. It was so cloudy that we could not see anyway. Brother I would like to tell you all but we leave camp ??? ??? ??? ??? is ordered to get ready as some expect with two days ??? Excuse poor writing I remain your Brother as ever. give my love to all the friends from your Brother Elijah. Write soon...

& good Bye

I will tell you the rest of the news some other time.

I never had better health in my life there since we left camp Warren. My love to Uncle Ethels family. I hope I will have time to finish the next letter that I write. Write soon

to Jeff Beeman Lige

Click here for Letters of 1862 page 2