Thursday, April 17, 1862

Lucy came this morning and to our inexpressible relief brought a letter from Ephe.  Thank God, he is safe and did his duty.  He was under fire from six o'clock Sunday morning until Monday night and did a little fighting on Tuesday.  Wednesday morning he wrote home but the letter had been delayed.  He says he escaped with his life but lost everything else.  But we take joyfully the spoiling of his goods since he is himself spared.  Widow Fleming of Barlow lost a son killed and the other wounded.  Young Porterfield of Marietta was also killed and young Booth, brother to Eliza Booth.  Kate went up to Marietta today.  There is lamentation and weeping because of those who will return no more, Lieut. Wm. Scott was shot through the breast, wound very severe.  Many of the 77th wounded are coming home on the steamer, War Eagle.  Heavy shower this afternoon.