Adam Bentz Civil War Letters 11-14; Second Battle of Kernston

These are letters that Adam Bentz (1842-1886), a Union Civil War Soldier from Meigs County, Ohio, wrote or received in the Civil War era.  Reading them in succession from 1 to 18 gives an interesting story.  William W. Bentz (1913-2001), Adam’s great nephew and my Dad, found these letters in the family Bible of Adam’s parents, Michael (1815-1864) and Mary Harpold (1823-1912) Bentz.  Emma Bentz Hayman (1854-1934) and Matilda Bentz (1857-1944), Adam’s sisters, lived together in Syracuse, Ohio and had custody of the Bible for many years.

Eleventh Letter July 24, 1864

Camp at Winchester July 24, 1864

Dear Sister

               This is the first chance I have had to make a scratch with a Pen since I left Home. I met our Regt at Martinsburg Va, the Regt was just ready to march and to head off these Rebels that were into Maryland but our Brigade was a little too late but the 2d  Brigade had a pretty good fight with them at Snickers Ferry, they took 4 Pieces on Cannon & about 200 Prisoners but now we have been missing them ever since we started after them I thought we would have a fight with them yesterday but we had good luck & didn’t have any fight at all I guess we will have a little rest when the Rebels get out of this part of the Country.  I think we shall either go to Harpers Ferry or to Mankinsburgh to rest.  This is a right pretty Place it is a wealthy one.  There are a great many union People in it.   Em I want you to send me them Post Stamps that I forgot to take from Home; & tell Ana that I cannot find John & I forgot that mans name in the 23d she told me, let me know what his name is then I will try to find out where he is.  I wish I was out of this you cant imagine how happy I would be but anyhow the 11^th of September we will be discharged or perhaps sooner.  I don’t know of anything of importance to write at this time so I will close hoping to hear from you soon as you read this letter without fail.  Give my Respects to all enquiring Friends & accept the same from your Affectionate Brother.

                              Adam Bentz

                              To Emma Bentz

PS We have not any mail since I left Pomeroy & I have not heard from Henry yet but I will write to him today.   Adam Bentz

Address

               Adam Bentz

               Camp H 5^th Regt Va Volls Infantry

               1^st Brigade 2d Division

               Winchester Va

NB

The Boys area all well Bill Barnes too  Frank is not here yet.

Wikipedia:  Second Battle of Kernston  July 24, 1864

The Second Battle of Kernstown was fought on July 24, 1864, at Kernstown, Virginia, outside Winchester, Virginia, as part of the Valley Campaigns of 1864 in the American Civil War.  The confederate Army of the Valley under Lt. Gen. Jubal A. Early soundly defeated the Union Army of West Virginia under Brig. Gen. George Crook and drove it from the Shenandoah Valley back over the Potomac River into Maryland. As a result, Early was able to launch the Confederacy's last major raid into northern territory, attacking the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in Maryland and West Virginia and burning Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, in retaliation for the burning of some civilian houses and farms earlier in the campaign.

Twelfth Letter July 28, 1864

General Hospital

               Frederick City Md

               July 28, 1864

Dear Affectionate Parents Brothers Sisters

               I have a little sad news to write you today, but you must not feel uneasy about me for I’m get well against my time is out I got a very severe wound at the Battle of Winchester on the 24^th day of July 1864 by a Carbine Ball.  I was shot in the Left Side, it pains me about 3 times a day & you cannot immajine what pain I have with it, but I am very thankful that it is no worse than it is.  If it had went ½ inch deeper in I would not have lived this long.  I walked 9 miles after I was wounded.  I keep up with my Company & they took good care of me while I was with them.  I was then put into an Ambulants & rode to Harpers Ferry then taken into the Cars & landed here last night but I expect we shall be moved to Baltimore this Evening or tomorrow. So you need not write me until I write again. We got a good whipping at Winchester this time there was a good many wounded left on the field & a good many of our men taken Prisoners our Company was badly cut up.  The reason they whipped us was they flanked us in the start & had a great many more men than we had.  Our force is now laying at Harpers Ferry but the Rebs wont come there.  If I can get a Furlough I will come home.  The Doctors are amputating the limbs today.  We have got new clothes from the Sanitary Commission.  Give my Respects to Ellen Riggs & Family & Mrs Faller & all enquiring Friends & accept the same from your Affectionate Son.

                                             Adam Bentz

                              To          Mary Bentz

So good Bye.  I will write often & you must do the same.

                                             Adam Bentz

Thirteenth Letter August 2d 1864

Baltimore Md Patterson Park

               August the 2d /64

Dear Mother

               I cannot write very much this time as I am quite unwell & my Side Pains me bad for the past 2 Days, but I hope & trust that these few lines will find you well when they come to hand.  Mother I & Wm Barnes got here last Night we left Frederick City yesterday about 2 Oclock.  I have made applications for a Furlough but the Doctor thinks I wont get it signed.  He says it would be better for me to stay here until next Sept 1th then my time would be out then they would me to Wheeling then get Discharged.  Val Savage is here tell his folks that he is well, excepting his wound in his foot.

               Mother I want you to send me Five Dollars $5.00 as I have no money to get any Paper & Envelopes & Post Stamps & I cant altogether eat the Victuals they have here.  I have had the Diarhe ever since I was wounded You would know if you was to see me now.  Give my Respects to all enquiring friends & to all the Family.  Adam Bentz to Mary Bentz

Direct your letters as follows

               Adam Bentz

               US General Hospital

               Baltimore Md

               Patterson Park

Fourteenth Letter August 17^th 1864

               Chester Hospital

                              Delaware Co Pa

                                             August 17^th 1864

Dear Mother

               I came to this place last Night & it is a fine place to stay at.  My wound is getting some better it does not Pain me so bad as it did I think it will be very near well against I get Home. I wish I was at home now.  I would be more satisfied.  I have not received any letters from you since I got wounded.  If you have sent me any money I will get it for it will be forwarded to me.  I expect to start for Pittsburgh thence to Wheeling in about 10 Days.  I have only 20 Days to serve yet.  You need not answer this letter.  Give my respects to all enquiring friends.  Wm Barnes has a pretty bad Arm.  Him & I sleeps in one ward.

               So nothing more at this time & good bye if I get to Wheeling I will write.  I guess Henry has got home by this time.  Tell him for Godsake not to reinlist until I come home

                              Adam Bentz

                              To Mary Bentz

I am 15 miles from Philladelphia Pa

Adam Bentz Civil War Letters 5-10; Battle of Lynchburgh

These are letters that Adam Bentz (1842-1886), a Union Civil War Soldier from Meigs County, Ohio, wrote or received in the Civil War era.  Reading them in succession from 1 to 18 gives an interesting story.  William W. Bentz (1913-2001), Adam’s great nephew and my Dad, found these letters in the family Bible of Adam’s parents, Michael (1815-1864) and Mary Harpold (1823-1912) Bentz.  Emma Bentz Hayman (1854-1934) and Matilda Bentz (1857-1944), Adam’s sisters, lived together in Syracuse, Ohio and had custody of the Bible for many years.

Fifth Letter February the 7, 1864

Dear Nephew  I seat myself this afternoon to answer your most kind and welcome letter it us all well at present I was glad to hear that you got my picture but you ought to always get the scrubbingrag ready when you get a letter from me for it always has nonsense­­ in it I would have answered your letter before now but it had to wait until I seen Spence to know where to direct letters to the boys it is La Grand Oragon there is where Henry Harpold is and Henry Hester and Josh was tending a farm somewhere else but he has gone to the two henrys I guess they aint doing much vint is a going to leave before long with his wife for Illinois and Spencers Widow run off the other day and they don’t know where he went down the river they are very unruly boys Adam don’t get married until you have a place to take your wife to and let them secesh gals alone for they might make you sorry before a week I wish you could have been here this winter to had fun I would like to know how it comes that they can keep you until September they cant do it for you only enlisted for 3 years and they cant keep you any longer it is just their own doings and I think they ought to let you free when your time is out but obey all commands and live in hopes of better day a coming when you will be free from this bad war and Adam try to live a good boy, that if you should die before you get released that we will meet in a better world where wars can never come I want to see your sweet picture so bad that I cant hardly wait until I get it your grandma and pa are as well as common and they send their best love and kind wishes to you  georges wife is sick with the consumption I guess it is but she is little better now ok

 Adam if I could only see you it would do me lots more of good than to be writing but  I thank God that we can write to one another it is a little satisfaction I wish you was here tonight to tell me more yarns but I would get the scrubbingrag ready so I would not have to go and get it when I needed it you said you just finished a hearty breakfast of coffee and bread and meat I am glad you have enough of that but Adam I would freely eat what you have to eat until your time is out if I only could so than you to not have plenty all the time Calirsa got you letter Thursday and he is agoing to answer it Barbara Ann McDade AB

Sixth Letter March 6^th 1864

Ganley Bridge West Va

March 6^th 1864

Dear Father

I now seat myself this morning to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well at present & hope when these few lines come to hand they will find you the same.   I have nothing very interesting to write.  But the Captain of our Company went home a few days ago and sent by him a little small box with a letter in it and a little Bead worked pocket which I want Emma to keep until I come home if the Captain has not brought it up to you yet you can send Peter down after it, and before the Captain comes back you can give him a quart bottle of good Whiskey to bring to me for he has his Trunk with & he can bring it very handy.  We will get paid off in a few days about the 12^th or 15^th inst I cannot say when I will come perhaps not before I am Discharged.  You can send a letter also by Capt Pinderly, so nothing more at present.   I send my love to Ma & all the children.

               Your Affectionate Son

                              Adam Bentz

               To M Bentz

 Seventh Letter April 30^th 1864

Ganley Bridge West Va April 30^th /64

Dear Father and Mother Brother and Sisters

I again seat myself to write you a few lines to inform you that I am well at present time and hoping when they come to hand they will find you all well and doing well.  George Holland & George Johnson is going to start for home tomorrow that is the reason that I write this letter and another thing is that perhaps I wont get the chance to write again for sometime.  We have orders to march in the morning our destination is unknown, but anyhow this is the start of the Campaign.  The general opinion is that we will go to Doublin Depot to get possession of the R Road there.  I am not allowed to state how many Troops there are in the Valley but I can assure there is plenty to give the Rebs a good (turn) Supper or Dinner.  We were within 17 miles of Lewisburgh last week a repairing the Roads and opening the Blockades.  We are all busy getting everything ready for the march.  There is nothing new a going on here.  Only about the place we are bound for.  It has been 4 months since we have been paid  off.  But now I think we will not be Paid until our time is up and I don’t care then I wont have the pleasure of spending it out here where everything is so dear.  Butter is 30cts per lb Eggs 20cts per doz Coffee 50 cts Pork 10 cts Bacon 15 cts.  Calicos 40 cts to 50 cts per yd.  the 13^th Va Inf is on its way up here also the 23d.  Our time is up the 14^th of Sept. then I will be home for certain.  I think I could have gotten a furlough if I had tried but my time is so short that I didn’t care.  Our Captain says that we will come back here but when he cant say. I believe I have nothing more to write this time so I will close.  Give my Respects to all enquiring Friends and accept the same yourselves.

I Remain Your Affectionate Son

               Adam Bentz

  To

               Mary Bentz

PS you need not write for about a week.

               Address

                              Adam Bentz

                              Camp H 5 Regt Va Voll Inf

                              Ganley Bridge West Va

Eighth Letter June 13^th 1864

Camp at Lexington Va June 13^th /64

Dear Brother

               I will write a few lines to you to let you know that I am well at this present & hoping when they come to hand they may find you all well and doing well. 

               Well I am still right side up with care.  To Day our men captured 8 Canal Boats with everything in them. General Averell is out today fighting old Imboden there is a rumor in camp that our men took Lynchburgh if not we have already surrounded it & will soon close in on it.

               I guess we will leave this place in a day or two.  We made the Rebs get out of this Place we also captured all their Cannon.  Yesterday we burnt up the Military Institute & Govenor Tetchers House. I also went today and seen where Gen Jackson was buried.  There is a few Univr People in Town.  It is a very nice town.  Well I have nothing more to write so I will close hoping to hear from you soon.  Peter I want you to write to me as soon as you read this for I am anxious to hear from home.  You must put a Stamp in every letter you write so I can send it back to you.

                              Adam Bentz

                              Camp H 5^th Regt Va Volls Infantry

                              1^st Brigade 2 Division 8 Army Corps

                              Via Clarksburgh West Va

                              Direct as it is written above

                              Adam Bentz to Peter Bentz

                              3 month from tomorrow my time is out

                              Tell Frank Hollands mother that he is well & right side up

Wikipedia:  Battle of Lynchburg

Background

During the Civil War, Lynchburg was used as a supply and hospital center. It was also a connection in the railroad that supplied the Confederate States Army. It was for this reason that Hunter determined to capture it. In accordance with a plan formulated by Brig. Gen. William W. Averell, the infantry divisions of Brigadier Generals George Crook and Jeremiah C. Sullivan proceeded south from Staunton on June 10 alongside Averell's cavalry division.

However, Hunter had two major problems. He was supposed to receive help from Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan; who never showed up because he had suffered a major setback at the Battle of Trevilian Station and was forced to retreat to an area around Richmond and Petersburg. The other, and perhaps most devastating, issue was that Hunter's supply lines were being harassed by the 43rd Battalion Virginia Cavalry, under Lt. Col. John S. Mosby. Between May 20 and June 17, only one supply wagon had reached Hunter.

At Lexington on June 11, Hunter fought with Confederate cavalry under Brig. Gen. John McCausland, who withdrew to Buchanan. Hunter ordered Col. Alfred N. Duffié to join him in Lexington with his cavalry division. While waiting, Hunter burned Virginia Military Institute and the home of John Letcher, former Governor of Virginia. After being joined by Duffié on June 13, Hunter sent Averell to drive McCausland out of Buchanan and capture the bridge there across the James River, but McCausland burned the bridge and fled the town. Hunter joined Averell in Buchanan the following day before advancing via the road between the Peaks of Otter on June 15. His cavalry occupied Liberty that evening.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. John C. Breckinridge sent Brig. Gen. John D. Imboden and his cavalry to join McCausland. Breckinridge arrived in Lynchburg the next day. Maj. Gen. Daniel Harvey Hill and Brig. Gen. Harry T. Hays constructed a defense line in the hills just southwest of the city. That afternoon, McCausland fell back to New London and skirmished with Averell's cavalry which pursued him. The Union launched another attack on McCausland and Imboden that evening. The Confederates retreated from New London.

Battle

Early arrived in Lynchburg at one o'clock on June 17, having been sent by General Robert E. Lee. Three hours later, Averell encountered McCausland's and Imboden's dismounted cavalry entrenched at the Quaker Meeting House, four miles from the city. The Confederates were driven back after Col. Carr B. White's brigade moved in to support Averell. Two brigades of Major General Stephen Dodson Ramseur's division occupied the area around a redoubt two miles from the city and hindered the Union advance.

Hunter made Sandusky his headquarters and planned the attack on Early's defenses. That night, trains could be heard moving up and down the tracks. Also, various instruments such as bugles and drums were heard by Hunter's troops. Even the people of Lynchburg made noise by having bands play and citizens scream. Their goal was to make the Confederate army seem larger than it really was.

On June 18, Major Generals Arnold Elzey and Robert Ransom, Jr. arrived from the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia. Elzey assumed command of Breckinridge's infantry and dismounted cavalry while Ransom superseded Imboden as commander of the mounted cavalry. Early elected to remain defensive and wait for the rest of the Second Corps to arrive. The redoubt now known as Fort Early was at the center of the Confederate line, with Maj. Gen. John Brown Gordon's division on the left and Brig. Gen. William G. Lewis's brigade on the right. McCausland commanded the right flank, which included a redoubt, and Elzey's command defended the area between it and Lewis' brigade. Col. Scott Shipp's VMI cadets were placed in reserve at Spring Hill Cemetery while the inner defenses were occupied by the Confederate Home Guard.

Hunter, still not convinced that Lee had sent reinforcements to Lynchburg, deployed Sullivan's and Crook's divisions in front of the Confederate center, with Averell in reserve, and sent an order to Duffié to attack the Confederate right. Reconnoitering the line in an effort to find a weak spot to push his infantry through, Hunter ruled out a direct attack on the redoubts, for they appeared too strong. He allowed Lt. Col. Henry A. du Pont to deploy his thirty-two cannons. Crook was sent to flank the Confederate left, but marched a few miles before finding it impracticable. The Confederates attacked Sullivan and du Pont, who managed to hold them at bay until Crook returned. The Confederates fell back after a half hour of fighting, but spent the next hour and twenty minutes attempting to break through the gap between Sullivan and Duffié before withdrawing to their earthworks. A regiment of Col. Rutherford B. Hayes' brigade pursued them but were beaten back.

Meanwhile, McCausland succeeded in holding off Duffié's assaults. As ammunition ran short, both Hunter and Duffié became convinced that they were outnumbered. Early then prepared to begin an attack of his own, but Hunter retreated at nightfall.

Aftermath

Early's army moved sixty miles in three days. At that point, Early called off the pursuit and awaited for Hunter to make a move. Hunter decided to move across the Shenandoah Valley and into West Virginia.

The Battle of Lynchburg proved to be quite helpful in the Confederates' fight against the Union. Hunter's retreat made it possible for Early to freely move up the Shenandoah Valley. Early's army advanced up through Maryland and even made it as far as Washington, D.C.

Ninth Letter June 30, 1864

Camp Piatt West Va

June 30^th /64

Dear Parents

               Once my arrival is made to this Camp and thank the good man for it.  I got here last Evening safe.  I was perfectly played out.  I never was on such a Raid as this one in my life, nor do I want to go another one as long as I am in the Service.  I cannot write this time for I am so weak that I cannot write nor walk either.  Wm Llewellyn was wounded in the fight at Lynchburgh he is either left at Liberty or has been brought to Charleston Va there was of wounded & one missing out of our Camp army.  I got through the battle it was a hard Battle and loss is about 1000 killed & missing & starved to death on the retreat.  I will tell you more about it when I come Home that will be in 60 days.  I cant tell how long we will stay here we will be Paid off in a few Days the Paymaster is here now at Charleston.  Tell Frank Hollands mother that he is well & right side up.   I have not seen Henry McDade yet but expect to in a short time.  I hope these few lines will find you all well when they come to hand.  Give my best Respects to all enquiring Friends; let GrandPa know that I am well. So good bye.

I want you to write soon as you get this Letter.  I had a notion to Telegraph to you this morning.

               Adam Bentz

To

               Mary Bentz

Direct Letters

To          Adam Bentz

1st Brigade 2d Division

8^th Army Corps

Camp H 5^th Regt Va Voll Inf

Charleston West Va

PS Dont forget to write right for we may have to leave soon AB

Tenth Letter July 1864 (Letter Not Dated)

Dear Mother I cannot write much for I am so tired & weak from the march to Lynchburg & back to Knawha & glad to get through the fight safe it was a fmithy hard one.  Our Regt & the 116^th Ohio Charged over the Enemy breast works while they poured their grape & canister in to us who could expect to come out of such a fight going right up the mouth of a cannon little did I think that Adam Bentz would get out safe.  I wish I now then to talk with you a while but still writing is better than nothing at all  I got your letter dated June 13^th that was the first letter I got from you for over two months I had a very few fourth of July.  Tell Pa I don’t think there is very much jinsang up here.  I cannot find out where John is. Uncle Henry he is going to start home today.  I seen Henry Mcdade yesterday he is still well & hearty.  You need not be uneasy about me for I never expect to be in another Battle my time will out in 60 Days then I am coming home.  I have 6 months Pay coming to me I guess we will get Paid off this week.  I will save all the money I can.  Perhaps we may not get Paid until our time is out some of the boys will be discharged this Month.  I have no stamps or I would put one on this letter.  I am glad Pa sold the House Henry will be home about the same time as I will then we will have a jolly time together  I will get my Photo taken & send it to Emma when I get paid off.

               Adam Bentz

To

               Mary Bentz

Direct Letters

To          Adam Bentz

Camp H 5^th Regt V Volls Inf

Charleston West Va

Give my respects to all

Adam Bentz Civil War Letters 1 - 4

These are letters that Adam Bentz (1842-1886), a Union Civil War Soldier from Meigs County, Ohio, wrote or received in the Civil War era.  Reading them in succession from 1 to 18 gives an interesting story.  William W. Bentz (1913-2001), Adam’s great nephew and my Dad, found these letters in the family Bible of Adam’s parents, Michael (1815-1864) and Mary Harpold (1823-1912) Bentz.  Emma Bentz Hayman (1854-1934) and Matilda Bentz (1857-1944), Adam’s sisters, lived together in Syracuse, Ohio and had custody of the Bible for many years.

First Letter December 12, 1861

Camp Ulm

Parkersburgh

5 Va regt

Dec 12, 1861

Dear Mother

It is with greatest pleasure that I now sit down to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well at present & hoping that these few lines may find you all the same.  I am here at my old Camp in Parkersburgh & it is a pretty place & we are peet to say here all this Winter perhaps we may go out on the Rail road again. & I wish we would.  We past Pomeroy in the night but I could not see no one we hallowed & Mike Eppley took the candle out of the supper Window & shook it at us.  I heard some of the boys hollow but did not know who they were.

I heard that John Brectal has gone away. & henry is gone to I guess.   You must tell him where I am when you write to him. & you must tell him to write to me.  Ross was here 4 or 5 days ago but I did not see him he will be here in a few days again. He is going to be first lieutenant in a Cavalry Company in the 2^nd Va regt in the regt where Capt Wallace is in  I saw Capt Wallace & his Company yesterday I saw Geo Shoemaker & Geo Crowpact & a good many of the boys.  I cant tell when I will come home perhaps not until the war is over. but I will still write home.  Mother I have not been tight since I have been in Cenedo on this place yet & meant to keep from getting tight

Tell Pa I have not got my money yet & don’t know when I shall get any but as soon as I do I will send it home so nothing more at present.

               but write soon

                A Bentz

               Direct Letters to

                              A Bentz

                              Parkersburgh

                                             Wood Co Va

                               5 Va regt, Company H

                                             Care of Capt Vinton

did you even get that discharge Papers of mine if you let me know in your next letter.

                              Direct letter

                                             Parkersburgh

                                             Wood Co

                                             5 Va regt.

                                             Company H

                                             Care of Capt Vinton

Second Letter  January 14, 1862

  

               Camp New Creek

               Jan 14^th 62

Dear Mother

I now sit down to write you a few lines to let you know that I am very well at this present time for I have a very bad Cold & a very bad Thumb.  I think my thumb is a going to be  a bealor on it we are in a pretty good place for a battle now.  I think there will be a fight here before a week passes by.   We first went to Cumberland Md out 28 miles from here  Now troops are coming in to Cumberland by thousands there are about 40,000 rebels a Winchester in Va & they cant get out without coming where we are then we can give them the devil some of our boys are in Parkersburgh yet John ?ess Company is here where we are & I saw all & I saw Peter Saier he is well. It is mighty Cold out here & I am so cold I cant hardly write so I will come to a close now no more at present but write me as soon as you get this letter And you get that letter which I  sent by Johon Leroyl.

               So no more

                              Adam Bentz

               Direct Letters

To                         Adam Bentz

                               New Creek PO

                               Hampshire CO Va

                              5^th Va regt Company H

Third Letter  April 5, 1862

Morefield Hardee CO Va

Company H 5^th Va Regt April 5^th 1862

Dear Mother

It is with the greatest pleasure that I now write you a few lines this Morning to let you know I am well at present & hoping that these few lines will find you all enjoying the same blessing.  We started form New Creek Station April 1^st & arrived here in the 3 in the afternoon.  We was all very tired when we got here.  We packed our knapsacks on our backs all the 45 miles.  Adam Berckes give out the 1^st day & 2 or 3 more but I stuck it out first rate.  It is a fine Country where we are.  We are in tents now 15 to 20 sleeps in one tent.  They are very large tents & we have Stoves in them to keep us warm and comfortable.  We have plenty to eat our here & we don’t know how long we will stay here but I think not more than a week or 2 for we are a going to be in a brigade in a few days.  There will be 3 thousand here a few days & then we will go to Stanton & there will be 4000 to meet us there.  We are under Gen Fremont, now, he will be in the field with us, we got paid off the night we came here, & I should have sent 5 dollars more to you but I could not spare it for next payday we to pay for our Clothing then I wont get no Money at all nor will any of the rest of the boys. & I have quit buying things from the Suttlers for they are dearned rascals they charge to much for their goods.  I got $20.00 dols this payday.  I sent home $10.00 home for you to keep for me.  We sent a bundle of letters with Mr Minse from Ceredo to put them in the PO Office in Pomeroy.  I have nothing more to write to you this time but I will write more to you when we get farther in Dixies land.  I took that seeestc money out of that letter again.  Is nothing more at present but write to me as soon as you get this letter & let me know where Henry is.

               So goodby I am your Son Adam Bentz until death.

                                             Adam Bentz to his Mother Mary Bentz

Don’t forget to write

               Direct letter to

                              Morefield Hardee Co Va

                              Com H 5^th Va Regiment

Give my best respects to Eppelin.

No letters to day

From home and the darling ones

I left behind for the tended field with my neighbors gallant Sons

2^nd   No letters today

Oh what can this silence mean

It pains my heart and stealthy fears

Springs up from the dread unseens

 3^rd   No letters today

It came from the lips of those

Who wondering wait with nameless fears

When unfelt before our foes.

4^th    No letters today

Have all of us left our friends

It cannot be for Gods sake write

Write and make amends

5^th  Soldiers love their Friends better than ever before

And they long to hear from home sweet home

And the hollowed scenes of yore.

6^th Send letters every day

They are worth their weight in gold

They keep our hearts and precious Sons

From ever growing cold

7^th We cant write we could in the open nor yet

in a tent when the rain comes down

with everything soaking wet.

8^th Guard duty and drill

In the march or at grand reviews

And the lonesomeness of picket guard

Brings windrow thirst for news.

Sent to his Mother Mary Bentz

From Adam Bentz

Keep this sing for it is about the truth, and read it over to the children, I will write a little more today I am well and received all the Letters and papers you sent me.  The Mail has come again it was stopped 10 days.  The boys are all well. I got 6 letters last night with you as I got the first stamp you sent and was very glad to get them.  I got Henrys letter and I will write to him in a few days.

               Adam Bentz

To          Mary Bentz

Fourth Letter May 13, 1862

                                             Franklin

                                             Pendleton CO Va

                                             Com H 5^th Va regt

                                             May 13^th 1862

Dear Mother & Father Brother  & Sisters

It is with the greatest of pleasure that I now sit down under this shady tree to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well at present & hoping that these few lines will find you all enjoying the same blessing.  Dear Mother I have had no time to write to you any sooner for we have been Marching & fighting for the last 2 weeks.  We had a big fight at

Mcdowell and Cowshill about 2 miles from the Town the fight lasted 3 ¼ hours we killed fewr hunderd & wounded about the same. Of our boys is about 50 killed & 1.50 hundred wounded.  There were 6,000 of us & 25 pieces of Canon and of the rebels there were 15,000 of them, this fight took on the 8^th inst the next Morning we fell back to this place and they followed us up to this place on the 1^st south inst and then we had a little skirmish with them.   They have killed 3 or our Men and we killed about 35 of thers Men the rebels have about 10,000 men here within

  

2 miles of our Camp we are a waiting for Gen Fremont to come in he will be here today or tomorrow with 9000 Men.  We have old Jackson in a pen now and he cant get out no way unless he fights his way out.  That is what he don’t like to do.  Gen Banks is on the other side of him and he cant retreat back.  They have 2 Canon but they cant them planted on us & we think he has no ammunition and another thing they are about starved out.  We will attack them as soon as Gen Fremont comes in.

We will send them to the happyland of Canaen and make them sing rout boy or die Our boys fight like Wild Cats.  A man got a few of our boys into a little scrape here a few days ago he was a rebel he cut the Telegraph wire down and we got him and shot him 8 times and took his Wife which she was confined only 2 nights before and took her bed out and layed her on it and then burnt her house down and everything they had. Some of our poor Men are in their graves now to pitty them so