.OTE5.MTQ5MA

This item is currently being transcribed by a volunteer. We look forward to making the full text of this document available soon.

Ha Qrs 1st Va Arty Sept 12th 1863

   Dr  Coleman
             Dr Sir
                    Your letter sent

by Lt. Pendleton reached me on yesterday.

  I am sorry to learn that you had 

not received my letter of the 6th of July, written at Winchester.

 I am sorry to inform you, that

Dick & Henry-together with two of my own negro's were captured by the Enemy on the night of July 4th 1863. while we were in march from Gettys burg to Williams port.-

 Nearly all the wagons belonging

to the Artillery of this Corps were captured at the same time by a squad of about 50 Yankees. We had a guard of nearly five hundred [?] cavalry all of whom deserted us as soon as they heard that the Yankees [?] [?][?][?]. Henry was in the

my wagon at the time it was captured. - Dick made an effort to escape by leaving his ambulance and taking a horse but was over taken with [?] of my sergeants about 3 miles from the point at which the attack was first made-

 All the negro's captured with my

train are except one of my own who has joined their Army- are still in First Delaware.- I received a message from them a few days since by a returned prisoner- stating that that they should return just as soon as they could get out of the fort.- For fear that they will not not be able to get back, I have already made application to the Government for pay for them, & have

received as reply from the Gr [?] General that the matter would be arranged as soon as Congress shall meet.- Anderson is still with me-and is very well- & desires to be remembered to you all. I will write you as soon as I take any steps in the matters, that is as soon as Congress shall meet.

 I am sorry you have sustained 

the loss. I can sympathize from the fact that my own loss far exceeded yours.

 if you write me, direct to

Me, 1st Va Arty- 2d Corps A N V.- in [?]. I am yours

       Very truly
      R  L Christian
     Capt & AQM