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This item is currently being transcribed by a volunteer. We look forward to making the full-text of the document available soon. (C.Glendening)

Camp at Winchester Va

             October 7th 1864

Dear Father

            I have just received

your letter and I was very glat to here from you again. I inform you that I am well at present time and hoping that these few lines will find youns all injoying good helth. Since I wrote last to you we have had quite a tea party with the Johnny Rebs. On the 19th of September we broke up camp in the vicinity of Berryvill and took up our line of march for Winchester, and at 7 oclock we encountered the enemy on this side of the town of Winchester and kept driving them all day and at 4 oclock we took possesion of the town of Winchester. I will relate to you how we was formed in line of battle. The 6th corps on the left and 19th in the center and the 8th corps on the wright of the 19th cor and the 1st Division of Cavlry was on the wright of the 8th corps and the 3st Division of Cavalry was on our left and the infantry pressed forward in line of Battle and drove the Rebels from every iportant point on the Battle field inflicting a great loss in there ranks and sending them back in a Demoralized Condition. They did not dare to show them selves before the yankee Boys that day for they know if they did it was retter ruin in there case. And as we pressed forward we drove them before us like a flog of sheeps and the could not stand before the steel of the yankees. So as we pressed forward they run in every way. So no officers could rally them and on coming to Steadmans Farm our Division General Russel was killed while gallantly leading our Column forward onto victory. He was one of Massachusetts Brave Sons who sacrificed his life at the alter of his country. In fighting for the glorious Stars and Stripes which we soon planted in the Rebels town of Winchester wright in the Rebels jail. And as we pressed forward nearer the town Brigadier General Upton was wounded in the leg. We took to Rebel town at that time. We had the Rebels entirely Surrounded and the cavalry in the rear charged the rebels the same time we charged them in front and we captured I think I can say by telling the truth 7000 Prisoners 15 Cannons and caisens and 10 battles flags. We were the first Regt that enter the town. As we forwarded our skrimish line and the akirmishers shot in every street they passed through. And we press forward and held the town and General Sheridan ordered our Brigade to stay here and garrison the town on account of the gallantly we displayed here in the fight of Winchester. Our Regt lossed 52 men in killed and wounded. Our Company lost one man killed and 3 wounded. Our Captain was Wounded by a Shell. It broake his arm and hard him on many other places. And about Franklin pay you will get that all but they aint got time now to fix it and let me know about my bounty if they did pay it or not, and I received them stamps and discharge. Write Soon and let me know all the news. So much from your son

          Emanuel Peter
         Jacob Peter rite Soon