Hillsborough (NC) Recorder
August 14, 1861
Page 3
For
the Hillsborough Recorder
Manassas Junction, July 29th, 1861
MR. HEARTT: Sir—Since
my arrival here I have heard that there is a report widely circulated in Orange (and one which I deeply regret), that I was tied
and gagged at the Company Shops, and carried through Raleigh in that situation. All I have to say is, that it was a positive
falsehood, started by some low lived and cowardly scoundrel, who, instead of
shouldering his musket in defence [sic] of his
country, has remained at home for no good purpose. I know not who it was, neither do I care; but
would advise every person to keep their eye upon him, if he should ever be
found out, for any one who would put such a report in circulation upon a soldier
who has left home, friends, and everything near and dear to him on earth, to
fight for his own and his country’s rights, is none too good to nigger trade or
steal under the cover of night. I hear
also that I was handcuffed in Richmond;
this, like the other, is false. I hope
none of my friends in old Orange
believe the report.
As for the manner in which I have conducted myself since my connection
with the army, I leave it for others to state.
Respectfully,
ALSEY
A. LEATHERS,
Company
B., 6th Infantry, N.
C. State
Troops
I
fully endorse every word here stated by Private Leathers, and also take great
pleasure in saying we have not a better soldier; he has on all occasions
discharged his duty promptly, and won for himself the confidence and esteem of
all the officers of the Regiment.
ROBERT
F. WEBB
Major,
6TH Infantry, N.
C. State
Troops
[Transcribed by Sharon Strout]
