J. Thompson Brown letter to wife [Mary Martha (Southall) Brown], 1861-06-11

J. Thompson Brown letter to wife [Mary Martha (Southall) Brown], 1861-06-11

United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865

Virginia--History--Civil War, 1861-1865

J. Thompson Brown, Yorktown, [Va.], to wife [Mary Martha (Southall) Brown]. Contains a description of the Battle of the Big Bethel. [Brown served in the Richmond Howitzers.] 2 pp. ALS.

Brown, J. Thompson

Henry C. Hoar Memorial Collection, 1861-1887, Mss. Sm Coll Hoar, Acc. 1992.46, Box 1, Folder 6

Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary

1861-06-11

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Mss.SmCollHoar,Acc.1992.46.004

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Yorktown, June 11th 1861

My Darling wife:

Thank God we have met and conquered the enemy and none of us killed. I hasten to write before you hear any rumors - As you know I have been down near Hampton & Newfort now for a week past. In the last four days we were reinforced by [Stanards?] Battery with Major Randolph and about 1100 infantry. On yesterday morning we got intelligence of the enemy's approach and unfortunately three of our pieces and all the infantry were out scouting, they got in to the Camp in time however and we got to work about 9.15 and fought with varying success until 1.30 to 2 : once I thought we were whipped. One of my pieces which I commanded in person was disabled after firing only 10 rounds by braking a priming wire. It was the key to the position and had the enemy had the pluck to hold it we would have been lost. [Three?] of my men were wounded - Lieut. Hudwall - Shook - & Werth - Shook seriously - I was providentially saved, for I was very much exposed - the shell burst all around us - The enemy are coming on us again - and I must close - Send this to Mother. Good by dearest -

Ever yours,

J Thompson Brown

I will write tomorrow -

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