Family Group Sheet
NameEli W. Harmon, 2C4R
Birthabt 1844, Floyd Co., Virginia
FatherJacob S. Harmon (1811->1880)
MotherSophia Weddle (1811-1880)
Notes for Eli W. Harmon
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Camp Near Dalton, Ga December 1st, 1863
Dear Cousin Jacob,
This morning affords me the opportunity of dropping you a few lines. But sorry I have to inform you that your son, Eli W. Harmon, was killed on the 25th of last month at Missionary Ridge. Our army retreated from Chattanooga that day. A final retreat took place in the evening late. Our Brigade among others was left to cover the retreat. The Yankees whole force made a heavy charge. There was some heavy fighting done. Our Brigade was in a hard place. Yankees on both sides and plenty of Yanks in front. So you see, we had to retreat rapidly to save ourselves. While we were getting out, Eli was shot, I did not see him myself. David Willis saw him when he was shot. He stopped and asked him where he was shot. He cryed out he was killed. He said he was shot through the body, also said he was gone two or three times. J. P. Turman saw him and said the same. Mr. Willis remained with him a few moments but soon had to leave or be captured. Eli was alive yet when he left him but said he did not think he would live but a few moments. So he was in the enemy’s hands at once, and we couldn’t do anything for his relief. He had only been with the Co. three days. I would have been better satisfied if his body could have been brought out of the enemy’s hands and buried, but I hope they had enough humanity about them to bury him.
Poor fellow, he is gone and all I can say or do for him is that a better boy than him I never saw. Peaceable, well behaved and a good soldier.
It will be awful news for you to get, I know; but such things will happen and we must bear it the best we can. I will inform you that L. D. Hylton was wounded near the hip, a severe flesh wound; also Capt A. H. Booth was shot through the thigh. They are both in the hospital but don’t know where. J. A. Barringer is improving. There were two or three others killed in the regt., several others wounded, also several missing. In the Regt. we lost all our baggage belonging to our brigade. We are entirely out of baggage at this time.
I cannot give you a full history of the retreat, but I will say to you that we lost several men and many pieces of Artillery. We came to this place the 17th and are still here. I don’t know how long we will remain here or where we will go next.
As I haven’t time to write much, I will close. I am well and hope these few lines will find you as well. Give my love and best respects to all the family. Maj. Harman sends his respects to you all. Please write when this comes to hand.
I remain your cousin and friend,
Samuel Slusher
To Jacob S. Harmon
Camp Near Dalton, Ga December 1st, 1863
Dear Cousin Jacob,
This morning affords me the opportunity of dropping you a few lines. But sorry I have to inform you that your son, Eli W. Harmon, was killed on the 25th of last month at Missionary Ridge. Our army retreated from Chattanooga that day. A final retreat took place in the evening late. Our Brigade among others was left to cover the retreat. The Yankees whole force made a heavy charge. There was some heavy fighting done. Our Brigade was in a hard place. Yankees on both sides and plenty of Yanks in front. So you see, we had to retreat rapidly to save ourselves. While we were getting out, Eli was shot, I did not see him myself. David Willis saw him when he was shot. He stopped and asked him where he was shot. He cryed out he was killed. He said he was shot through the body, also said he was gone two or three times. J. P. Turman saw him and said the same. Mr. Willis remained with him a few moments but soon had to leave or be captured. Eli was alive yet when he left him but said he did not think he would live but a few moments. So he was in the enemy’s hands at once, and we couldn’t do anything for his relief. He had only been with the Co. three days. I would have been better satisfied if his body could have been brought out of the enemy’s hands and buried, but I hope they had enough humanity about them to bury him.
Poor fellow, he is gone and all I can say or do for him is that a better boy than him I never saw. Peaceable, well behaved and a good soldier.
It will be awful news for you to get, I know; but such things will happen and we must bear it the best we can. I will inform you that L. D. Hylton was wounded near the hip, a severe flesh wound; also Capt A. H. Booth was shot through the thigh. They are both in the hospital but don’t know where. J. A. Barringer is improving. There were two or three others killed in the regt., several others wounded, also several missing. In the Regt. we lost all our baggage belonging to our brigade. We are entirely out of baggage at this time.
I cannot give you a full history of the retreat, but I will say to you that we lost several men and many pieces of Artillery. We came to this place the 17th and are still here. I don’t know how long we will remain here or where we will go next.
As I haven’t time to write much, I will close. I am well and hope these few lines will find you as well. Give my love and best respects to all the family. Maj. Harman sends his respects to you all. Please write when this comes to hand.
I remain your cousin and friend,
Samuel Slusher
To Jacob S. Harmon
