William B. Carden [also Cardin], North Carolina 16th Infantry Regiment, Co.
H, stationed in Pocahantus County, Virginia [now West Virginia], to his cousin
William Beezley, October 6-7, 1861. Carden discusses military actions in the
vicinity of Cheat Mountain, illness among the troops, camp life, a religious
sermon, and the lack of optimism for a peaceful settlement of the war.
W. B. Carden of Macon County, North Carolina, was 23 when he enlisted in June,
1861 (North Carolina Troops, vol. 6, p. 76). William Hicks became a
Chaplin in the regiment in September, 1861 (North Carolina Troops,
vol. 6, p. 11). The General Jackson mentioned in the letter may be General Henry
R. Jackson (North Carolina Troops, vol. 6, p. 1).
