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Scammon, Eliakim Parker (1816-1894) to Jacob Cox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01906 Author/Creator: Scammon, Eliakim Parker (1816-1894) Place Written: Fayetteville, West Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 26 March 1862 Pagination: 1 p. ; 21 x 13 cm. Order a Copy

Writes to General Cox in Charleston, Virginia to report that the enemy is in front of Raleigh and gives details of their locations and the number of men. States, "Lieut Col. Rutherford B. Hayes from this information thinks our force with that of Gauley could go to R.R. [railroad] and hold it." Penciled note at bottom states "I think so too."

Scammon was commissioned colonel of the 23rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry in June 1861. He was promoted to brigadier general October 15, 1862 and commanded the District of Kanawha until February 3, 1864 when he was captured and held as a prisoner of war until August 3, 1864. In the last months of the war, he commanded the District of Florida.

[Draft Created by Crowdsourcing]
Fayetteville
Mar 26.
Genl Cox, Comg. oc.
Charleston, Va.
[struck: Four days ago,] The enemy in front of Raleigh were reported [inserted: to be] as follows [inserted: 4 days ago]-At mouth of Blue Stone, this side N. Riv-5 camps 45th abt. 250 men.-3 miles up Blue Stone-4 camps (200).-At latter place, 1 [inserted: iron] 6pdn. Both camps defended by Breastworks & abatis.-On Flat Top, at Miller's Tannery, French's [Compy] of Cavalry. A few Cav. & Infantry. at Princeton [inserted: on the East]. At Jackson's Riv. Depot. large regular force reported-nothing reliable as yet. Lt. Col. Hayes [inserted: from his information] thinks our force, with that of Gauly, could go to R.R. & hold it.-[struck: This on him] I think so too.
Very Respt.
E.P. Scammon
Col. Comg. Brig.

Scammon, Eliakim Parker, 1816-1894
Cox, Jacob Dolson, 1828-1900

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