Letter from soldier in the 87th OVI

[This was a regmient with a 3 mo. enlistment and was mustered out at Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio on Sept. 20, 1862. Lieutenant Aleshire, who wrote this letter, was later promoted to captain and became attached to the 2nd Ohio Volunteer Heavy Artillery regiment. N Elvick]

Camp Banning, Harper's Ferry, July 16th, 1862

Jas. Harper.—Dear Sir:
     I have been threatening every day for the past fortnight, to write a line or two to the Journal, and thus by one letter, let all my friends in "old Gallia" know of my whereabouts and how I like soldier's life. I want to be brief. So I will go from general to particular things. Our Regiment is the 87th Ohio, 1020 strong; and a finer looking Regiment I never have seen up to this time. It is composed almost entirely of the young men of Ohio, Lawyers, Doctors, College Students, Clerks, Farmers, &c. Our field officers are the best and most efficient set of men, and the most competent to take charge of such a Regiment as the 87th—in fact, to cut the matter short, all of us, privates and officers worship them. Col. Banning is the pride of the Regiment, an Ohioan by birth, a medium sized man, and of prepossessing appearance; a good natured, whole souled "regular Buckeye." As regards his fighting qualities, he has seen service as Captain of a company in the 4th O. "He has been there and still would go." Lt. Col. Faskin is a large, broad-chested Scotchman; if you could hear him swear at "th-a-t 4-r-t Sergeant" on battalion drill, however warm the day, or however tired you were, it would put you in the best humor in the world. This poor unfortunate Sergeant is the cause of many a titter through the column on such occasions. Colonel Faskin served for years in the English army, also faced the rebels in this country at the famous battle of Winchester.—When I mention the fact that Samuel F. Leffingwell is our Major, this is all that is necessary. You Printers will all recognize him as a brother in the profession. He may be a good printer; I know that he is a good soldier. He served in the Mexican war, and as you are aware also, filled the position of Major in the 31st Ohio. He passed through Gallipolis with a detachment of his Regiment last summer. He speaks very highly of our town and the acquaintances he formed there. Adjutant Long was a member of the "old 21st Ohio" in the three months' service. We have a great many of the "21st boys" with us, and you know more about them than I can tell you.—Our Regiment probably, will be re-organized as soon as our three months are up. And who could wish to go under a better set of officers?
     Now a few words about our company. We have the honor to be Company A, and I feel safe in saying that our boys deserve the position. Our officers are: Captain, D. H. Moore; 1st Lieut., E. S. Aleshire; 2nd Lieut., J. H. Jenkins. It does not become me to say anything more about them. Our company numbers 101 men, the maximum number. But I am getting most too extravagant in the use of your columns. One thing more and I will close. It is something prophetic, a remarkable coincidence; the rebels had better take warning, and their superstitious old women take off their spectacles and open their ears. It is this. The first picket guard sent from Harper's Ferry by the 87th, was commanded by Sergeant John Brown of our company. I'll tell you how I like a soldier's life next time I write.
     Truly yours,
     E. S. Aleshire, 1st Lt. Co. A, 87th O.

The Gallipolis Journal
July 31, 1862

Transcribed by Eva Swain Hughes