Thursday, Oct. 2, 1862

We still get letters from Rufus giving interesting incidents of the late battle.  In the battle of Sharpsburg or Antietam as it is called, his division was commanded by Gen. Doubleday.  Sept. 23' he writes

We are temporarily in camp.  It would seem that our brigade having suffered a loss of 1593 in battle had done its share, but I suppose we'll have to go in again soon.  I have had for a day or two a very severe sick headache, the result of the late trying times. At Gainsville we fought the famous "Stonewall Brigade" and routed it.  One of their Captains said it was the first time they ever turned their backs.  We met the same Brigade at South Mountain and dislodged them from what they had called an impregnable position.  Just about such a place as the point back of where Ma's old house used to stand.  They call us the "Black Hat Brigade", and when they saw us coming up the mountain it was with difficulty their officers restrained a panic.  The carrying of that mountain gorge on the 14" was one of the most brilliant things of this war.  Gibbon's Brigade without support carried this position.  Sumner who was ordered to our support was not within three miles until the fight was over.  At Sharpsburg the 6" Wisconsin fired the first musket, moved farther to the front than any other regiment and at its advanced position fired away every round of amunition.  Capt. Brown, a splendid fellow, my best friend in the regiment, was shot dead at Sharpsburg. Capt. Bachelle, a most gallant soldier was shot dead, his Newfoundland dog lay dead upon his body never having left his master.

The sewing circle met today at Mr. Henry Cole's.  Kate and Lizzie attended.