Hi Sandra, I'm sorry I could not find Ellen's last name but I thought this might be interesting if you did not already have it. White G. RYAN (m) Mary Jane BARNETT November 22, 1841 in Montgomery Co., VA 1860 Mercer County census RYAN, White G. 45, m, farmer 4000/349 (b) VA Ellan A. 31, f, wife Joseph W., 18, m, serving Edward M., 16, m, serving Bowman G., 14, m Mary W., 8, f John T., 6, m Charles L, 4, m began readings 11 September >From Mercer County History 1987 LETTER FROM C.H. MILLER White Sulphur Greenbrier County, VA August 21st 61 Dear Eli As I presume a sketch of passing events in this part of the Old Dominion might be of interest to you, I will note a few, and few it will be, for I have as poor facilities for getting news here as I have on Flat Top. But I will tell you something of our companies. I have been transferred from the Command of Capt. Dorman to that of Capt. White G. Ryan. I got hurt the morning I went to Capt. Ryan's company and was left here to recuperate. Capt. Dorman's company left here one week ago today. Capt. Ryan's the next day. The latter Company is connected with Wise Legion. Dr. Bray passed here this morning on his way from Richmond. What we left there you have had an account in Mercer ere this time, there were 12 or 15 left here sick. I believe all are improving including Cassiday and Jo Grigsby. All of our forces have left here except the sick two artillery companies (undrilled) and one cavalery company. For all I am spending my time at one of the most renowned wattering places in the South. I am not enjoying myself as well as I did in my company drilling, cooking every day. There were so many soldiers here when we arrived and there are so few now. It makes things quite dull. There are about 200 sick soldier here. They are generally quite comfortably provided for. I learn our advance army is on Big Sewel Mountain with Strong (?) marching and fighting propensities. They are expecting to have a Battle in a few days if the Yankies don't run like we had to do from Ka. I have understood that you have had exciting time in Mercer sence we left there. I get no letters I have recd [received] no letters from Home for one month. I would like to hear how things are progressing in Mercer. Direct most any place and it will find me, Care of Capt. Ryan, Wise Legion, Western Va. Respectfully Your Friend C.H.Miller Linda,Roanoke,VA