2015.002.065
Letter written by Captain Robert B. McClure, Assistant Adjutant General, Staff of Major General William B. Bate, dated August 23rd, 1864. McClure is writing to Lieutenant Colonel Fletcher H. Archer of the 3rd VA Infantry. McClure received the letter Archer sent him from Petersburg, VA. McClure writes that he is determined to see the end of the Atlanta Campaign as long as his health allows. He mentions that General Bate was wounded by a Minnie ball in his knee, and that John C. Brown now commands the division. McClure requests that Archer send him his boots as well as socks, soap, and a comb. He wants Archer to come visit the camp, and sends his love to friends and family. McClure also describes recent actions of Wheeler’s Cavalry, including rumors that they blew up a tunnel between Dalton and Chattanooga.
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Hd Qrs Bates Div August 23rd August 1864
Dear Col
Your letter written at Petersburg was only received by me, about [ten?] day ago, I was indeed glad to hear from you, I did not know what in the world had become of you, for I had written several letters to Macon & Griffin but could hear nothing of you, and did not know until I got your letter where you were, Since that time I have learned through Charlie Pucco that you were in Augusta and also his mother and the children I wish very much I could be with you, but I am determined to [paper torn] this Campaign as long as my health [paper torn] good but I still hold up and do my duty and a great deal of it too, Genl Bate was wounded about two weeks since by a minnie ball just above the knee, the same leg he was before wounded in at Shiloh The wound is not a dangerous one, but a severe one and will keep him from the field six or eight weeks yet, John C. Brown is now commanding the Div, he is a splendid officer, and an elegant gentleman. I like him very much indeed he has been made Maj Genl temporarily Col I would be glad for you to see Ed Obrien who lives with Maj Cunningham, and if my boots are done get them and send them immediately, as I am d— near bare footed, if they are not finished have them right away for me I would be glad for you to send me two pairs of socks and two collars and a nice piece of soap
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and a comb, Tell Ed Obrien to send my calico shirt you get it and all th things to me Direct them to the Care of Lt Col Gus A Henry; Genl Hoods Staff and I will be certain to get them Col, come up yourself, if you can, if its any [???] the change will do you good, We have plenty of room and would like to see you, Henry & [Clive?] are all right and speak of you often, if you do come bring some of the [???] will you for the poor sick soldiers I sent my kindest regards to Mrs Pucco and all the little girls, my love to my little sweetheart and tell her I dont to hear of her flirting with any of those Augustans if she does it will make me very jealous, Our Army is in fine spirits and [paper torn] …of the rail road between here and Dalton and blown up the tunnel between Dalton and Chattanooga, these are rumors, but I think them true, Write soon, if you come up bring me some novels to read
Your true friend
Bob McClure
My kindest regards to Capt Bryann when you see him also Ed Obrien and other friends
Fletcher Harris Archer was born in Petersburg, VA. enlisted April 4, 1861 as a Captain with Company K of the 12th VA Infantry. He was then commissioned into the Field Staff of the 3rd VA Infantry and promoted to Lt. Colonel on May 5, 1861. He was wounded at Petersburg June 14, 1864 then at Sailor’s Creek on April 6, 1865. He died August 21, 1902 and is buried in Blandford Church Cemetery.
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