This letter was written by Asa Howard (“A. H.”) Battin (1829-1896), the son of John Battin (1800-1875) and Sarah Dew Howard (1804-1875). From an obituary we learn that:

Asa was born on a farm one mile west of Hanover, Columbiana County, Ohio, March 16, 1829. His boyhood and youth were spent upon a farm in the vicinity of his birthplace, and his early education was obtained in the district school. Later he attended a private school under the auspices of the Quaker church, of which both his parents and grandparents were members. He was studious and ambitious, and, at the age of eighteen years, he became employed as a teacher. The next five years he taught in the district schools of Columbiana County, and during that time he took up and pursued the study of law. He was admitted to the bar at New Lisbon in May, 1853, and in April, 1854, he began the practice of his chosen profession at Salem, Columbiana County. In December, 1858, he removed to Wellsville, where he opened an office and practiced law for ten years, with the exception of the time he spent in the army during the Civil War. He enlisted April 19, 1861, shortly after the rebellion began, as captain of Company K, Third Regiment, Ohio Volunteers. He returned home from the field about May 1, 1862, broken in health. His one year’s service was chiefly performed in West Virginia and Kentucky.”

Asa was married to Eliza Atkinson (1834-1871) in 1855 and their oldest daughter was Anna Gertrude (“Gertie”) Battin (1856-1920), both of whom are mentioned in the final paragraph.

Transcription

Wellsville [Ohio]
April 21, 1861

Folks at Salem,

Things are rather exciting around here these days and I suppose they are also at Salem. I have been on the sick list for near two weeks but am better and hope to be around all right. I commended with a bilious attack and was in bed the portion of the time for five days since which time I have been better but don’t get it entirely removed. Have taken some of the “most disagreeable” medicine in the world, I reckon. But I suppose Will told you I was not well. He just escaped from Washington in time. He could not come from there now by the same route he did then and probably by no other. Such times the world has never seen and never need again.

Our company is recruited up to 112 men and goes to Columbus on day after tomorrow; from there to Cleveland, I suppose, and from there nobody knows; probably to Cairo or somewhere on the frontier of the free states. I shall go to Columbus if well enough and probably through the three months’ campaign, but if I do not get better than I am now, I shall not go further than Columbus. There is but one sentiment here. We have a government and it must be defended. The citizens of Wellsville and vicinity have contributed $650 to buy us an outfit of articles which the State cannot well furnish, and they have also subscribed $1,000 for the benefit of those families who were depending upon the volunteers for support with the promise to raise it to 3,000 or 5,000 if necessary.

On Friday afternoon, the down river train broke down a new bridge at dry run a few miles above Martinsville and a Wellsville man by name of Stafford was killed. He was buried this afternoon. The railroad men suspect that there had been foul play about the bridge, but they do not know it. A heavy train of volunteers had passed over it but a short time before and the supposition is that it was intended to throw this train off, but it is surmise. The bridge superintendent made a thorough examination of the wreck but could find nothing wrong. The train ran over the bridge and the cars fell down the embankment at the side of the track. An iron rail ran up through the car, cutting Stafford’s leg off at the thigh and breaking the other. He bled to death in a short time.

I do not know of anything else that I can write of interest. There are all manner of rumors circulating but I do not believe any of the startling items until they have been telegraphed more than once. There is intense excitement at Wheeling and fears are entertained that the city is to be taken by the secessionists. They will have some work to do if they succeed.

I shall write you from Columbus if I have time. If not, I will soon. Eliza and Gertie in usual health. As ever, — A. H.