Hello Carol,

During the time period that your ancestor mentions, Major Peter Johnston Otey of the 30th Battalion Virginia Sharpshooters commanded what was called "Foresberg's Brigade" in Wharton's Division. The brigade consisted of the 51st Virginia Infantry, the 45th Virginia Infantry, and the 30th Battalion Virginia Sharpshooters. What was your ancestor's full name and residence during the war?

Civil war letters, such as yours, are precious things to historians and researchers. A clear photocopy or scanned image would be most welcomed additions to the collections at the Virginia State Library in Richmond, the West Virginia Archives in Charleston, and in the collection of the local library or historical society where your ancestor lived. You may even want to post a transcription here.

Welcome to the world of Civil War research. You will quickly discover that there are 2 types of researchers...takers and givers. I encourage you to join the ranks of the latter.