Hillsborough (NC) Recorder

July 31, 1861

Page 3

 

                                    SIXTH REGIMENT N.C. STATE TROOPS

            For the gratification of those who have friends in Capt. Freeland’s company, we are permitted to publish an extract of his letter to his wife.

                                    Manassas Junction, July 23d, 1861

            MY DEAR JULIA:--I am yet alive and well, and so only through the great mercies of God.  Sixteen of my brave boys fell around me, dead and wounded, while storming one of the enemy’s batteries.  Our brave Col. Fisher fell near me.  The battle raged dreadfully for twelve hours.  They drove us once in some disorder, but we drove them at last with great slaughter.  I hope never to witness such a scene again.  Be of good cheer, dear Julia, for I hope the last great battle is fought and won.

            I send you a list of the dead and wounded of my Company:

                                                KILLED

            J. H. Huchins                                         Robert Falkner

                                                WOUNDED

            J. E. Davis, mortally                               E. W. Pickett

            James Redmun                         A. Glenn

            A. P. Copley                                        James Copley

            William Chambley                                 W. P. Haley

            S. B. Freeman                                      H. Vickers

            O. W. Willett                                        H. Pickett

            Silas Hutchin                                         Burton Rhodes

            I have just visited my wounded, and could but weep over them.  Our dead are all buried.

 

[Transcribed by Sharon Strout]