1862: Oliver Burchfield to Reuben Burchfield

This letter was written by Oliver Burchfield (b. 1845), the son of Reuben Milton Burchfield (1808-1896) of Salem, Jefferson county, Ohio who enlisted on 1 November 1861 in Co. L, 1st West Virginia Cavalry. Oliver died of disease on 10 May 1862 near McDowell, Virginia.

*I could not find an image of Oliver but here is Leonidas Hollenback who served in the 1st West Virginia Cavalry*

Transcription

*Patriotic stationery used by Oliver with slogan, “A vigorous prosecution of the war and no compromise under the guns of rebels.”*

Clarksburg [Virginia]
February 19, 1862

Dear Father,

I take my pen in hand to write to you a few lines for to let you know that I am well at present and hope that these few lines may reach you and all the rest enjoy the same state of health, We still remain in Clarksburg but we do not know how long we may remain here for we do not know when we may get a call to go somewhere else but I am enjoying myself very well at present and in all probability the longer we stay the better I like it. We drill every few days which I like very well. We have not done any scouting for some time but we are getting our horses in good plite [?]. We are lookin’ with patience for our pay but do not know at what time we will get it but news at present that this bill that was before the House for one hundred and fifty millions of Treasury Notes has passed Congress and I am in hopes that we will get our pay soon.

Our men has been successful in Kentucky. It appears they have been successful in all points. It appears that the secesh have left Romney and retreated to Winchester where we expect a big fight there some time soon. I think the fighting is pretty well over in Western Virginia. Nothing more at present but remain your affectionate son until death. Yours truly, –Oliver Burchfield

[to] Reuben Burchfield

Write soon. Direct your letter as usual. Give the news in general.

Camp Chase, Ohio

Miss Burchfield,

Yours of September 28, [1861] is at hand though I must apologize for not replying sooner. I should have written long ere this had I been permitted. You will have to take the will for the deed. I will have to promise to do better the next time. Don’t know that I need make any apologies as it seems that I was about as prompt as yourself. However, we will not quarrel about that. I have been on detached service for some time nor do I know when I will get back…[end of letter missing]