Letter from J. Mcculloch to Linus Patrick

Rushsylvania, 0. Nov. 4, 1862
Linus A- Patrick, Esq.

Kind and dear Sir, Yours of the 18th ult just recd I am very thankful to you for such a satisfactory letter and the full details of the Perryville battle. I wrote you a line about the time of the battle, which you, perhaps, have got since writing your last. We got the sad news of Capt. Odor's death on Wednesday Eve the 15th, by Robert Patton's letter to his father. It was thought best to wait till the next day before telling his wife, expecting the mail would bring some line to her, or some person here giving fuller particulars. Your letter to your father came was read, and taken her, Mrs. Oder. John Rumer had told her, that forenoon, to prepare her mind for the News, that Ben was wounded. It was sad news to her, indeed; and to us all. So lately having left home in the prime of life, with high expectations of gaining the good will of his men and the esteem of his officers by kindness in the discharge of his official duties, and thus cut down so early in the campaign and in the action. Truly "in the midst of life we are in death." we would rather have hoped that Ben had been spared to have led his men through the campaign; but the lord has taken him away, and we should be resigned. You doubtless feel the loss very much and I can sympathize with you. It is to be hoped that you may get the best of the Rushsylvania boys for the next commissioned officer, will he[crossed out] you elect your Capt.? Or is he appointed? Ben's sword and trunk came this day by express; his haversack came several days since.

In addition to the death of Mrs. Quivey and Mrs. Reisinger, which I wrote you, I have to mention Zimmerman's child. It died about a week ago. Lon Doran was home about a day, a week ago. It is rather monotonous at Camp Chase, I think, to suit him. Andr. Patterson has not had good health in Camp. It is doubtful if he can stand it. William Miller came home last Sabbath. I understand he and some others were detail'd to bring in some hay, and while thus engaged, were captured by some of Morgan's men, paroled and sent home.

The papers are generaly down on General Buell, and especially for his management during the battle of Perryville. What is said of him, so far as you know, by his army? You can tell Robert Patton that I saw his father & mother this day - they are all well. The friends of all those in your Co. so far as I am acquainted are well. Mr. Finch brought home his son that enlisted in the 45th reg., a corpse, about ten days ago. He died of fever, in the hospital in Covington.

We have had delightful weather so far this fall, very dry, the ground has been so dry that wheat would scarcely sprout in it. Last Saturday, a week ago, we had our first snow; snowed all day, froze pretty hard the next two nights then quite warm since till last Sabbath, when it raind, the last two nights cool, but the days quite pleasant.

When the cold, stormy, wintry weather sets in you will wish you were back in an Ohio school-house teaching the young urchins ideas how to shoot; instead of teaching rebels not to shoot.

Mary Jane was home last Saturday. Her school is small yet, but she thinks it a very pleasant school. There will be but few male teachers employed as teachers in this vicinity this winter, compared with other seasons. A large class having gone to the war. Ellen Rumer has the Ansley school Nancy Ann Grey has the school near Michael George's; Hanna Anderson the school near Sam'l McColloch's; Miss Gilmore, Nelson Johnson's & c, & c. Our place has been so quiet and monotonous since so many have left for the army that I cannot find enough items to fill a letter, we really have a dearth in the news line; but better that then bad news. You can tell Robert Patton and John Barnett also that, Cornelius Jamison & Widow Carter are to be married in a few days, so that if either of those boys have any objections, they can send them in, or forever after to hold their peace.

Our family all join me in sending our best wishes to you, and to all our acquaintances with you. That you may all be preserved safely by a kind Providence, in your health, your lives, your morals and that you may all be soon restored to the comforts of friends and home, in peace and safty, is the sincere prayer of your true friend,

J. Mcculloch

P.S. When I had read your letter I handed to your father and wrote this hasty scribble. I will have to hunt up the letter to get your address.

Your father encloses you 7 P.O. stamps, & requests me to say, that as hears by your letter to me that you are well and as I am writing, to state that they are all in their usual health and send their love to you and the friends.

Write as frequently as you can, I know your facilities for writing is not good, but all your letters are so satisfactory that we are all anxious to read yours. J. MC.