Hello ALCWMB,

I am looking for the home county in Alabama of Private William B. Cagle (also spelled Cagel or Cegle in the NPS Soldiers & Sailors System), Company E, 13th Alabama Infantry Regiment, killed in action 10/14/1863 at Bristoe Station, Virginia. I would like to find his grave. He may have been from Wolf Creek in St. Clair County, or had a brother living there.

A transcript of a letter has been forwarded to me described as "found on the person of a dead rebel soldier who fell at the battle of Bristoe Station, Va. in Oct. 1863". The letter entitled "Wolf Creek, St. Clair County, Alabama" is dated 9/28/1863 and addressed to "Dear Brother". It states how glad the writer was to receive the last letter & relief since no word had reached them following his marching to Gettysburg. The letter describes the hard times experienced back home with sickness and the high cost of food.

I have read of only two Alabamians killed at Bristoe Station 10/14/1863: Private William B. Cagle & Lieutenant David R. Staggers, both of the 13th Alabama. Lt. Staggers was from Butler County. The letter may have been taken from one of these two men.

Thanks,
John Pearson