Franklin County: Josiah Bloss to His Sister, October
20, 1864
Summary:
Bloss describes a recent victorious battle led by Gen. Sheridan in which many
rebels were wounded or captured.
Sister
Oct 20th/64
Shenandoah Valley Virginia
Dear Sister
I take the earliest opportunity to inform you of our glorious victory since I
wrote to you before, the rebels, attacked our lines
the day that I wrote home, the fight lasted from morning till dark at night, the
fields lay full of wounded and dead rebels, over double the number of ours, and
we captured 54 pieces of, artillery, our Brigade
captured 20 pieces of the 54, bully for our iron Brigade, also captured between
seven and eight thousand prisoners;
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and five hundred wagons and
ambulances, such a sight never before has been seen as this was, our Brigade
charged through a little village over the rebels and
captured the 20 pieces of cannon, the road was covered with dead bodies where
they charged, the rebels never were
whipped so bad before, this is the third time that we
whipped them very badly since the 1st of last month,
General Sheridan was at the head of his brave soldiers in the engagement, there is not a soldier here but would sacrifice their lives for the brave General, Sheridan's army has crowned itself with victory,
I am well
Your Brother
Josiah Bloss
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I have no time to write a long letter you must excuse me give any compliments to all my acquaintances
