Loudon Tenn Sept 8th 63 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Friends at home We have the chance of sending letters home now by private conveyance and may not have again for some time I am well and enjoying myself very well and also the rest of the boys the most of the company are out on a scout towards Athens Tell Bennetts folks that Newton is all right but he is out with the company There was seven of the company taken prisoner yesterday their names are Zimmerman, Rogers, Werts Neal, M. Baggs, Moffet and Moor a new recruit We have captured a lot provisions from the rebs but this regt captured over 400 bushels of wheat and a large lot of of arms, clothing etc on last saturday at Sweetwater You must not be uneasy about me if you do not hear again for sometime and if anyone asks about tell them it is none of their business When you write direct to Gen. Burnsides command in Tenn. and it will follow me sometime I expect the mail rout will soon be opened We can see some of the affects of Rebbledom here prices are high eggs $1.50 potatoes 3.00 coffee 6.00 Wheat corn pork etc accordingly. I have not time to write any more as the man is about to start Tell the folks the boys are all right but that seven Write soon Yours in hast [13] Retreated to Loudon and for several days made a daily job of going out to Phil, fight through the day with the cavelry then fall back at night until Oct. 28 when we evacuated Loudon. Fell back towards Knoxville to Lonare {Lenoir}. We (cavelry corps) went on to Knoxville 29th. Crossed Holston River and went down to Marysville and camped until Nov. when we fell back to Rockford. [14] Was attacked at Rockford on Nov. 12 and retreated. [15] Afterwards advanced but was again attacked on Nov. 15th and driven in some confusion to the defences before Nashville. The 45th lost heavily in prisoners of which many escaped. [16] I for one was captured and escaped by pretending being wounded and falling down as the enemy was being repulsed from the defences and taking me along with them. Several more escaped with me. [13] Oct 20th This day were captured Pollock, Deardoff, Therman, Richards, Graybeal, Sesler, Hendershot, Curtis [14] Retreat into defense Nov 15 at Knoxville then advance and attempt to hold the enemy in check. [15] When attacked I was on picket 6 miles up the river and had to retreat double quick. Saw some of the btry having to wade river. Cap't Stover "holds ford." [16] Prisoners taken here or 15 were Lt. McBeth, Wm Wallace, Bennett, I.R. Konkell, Mason Lantz, John Hendershot, Nickell Arthur, and Blair (D.H.) Those that escaped were Wallace, Bennett, Nichell, Arthur, and Blair. Remainder held. Nov.16th The regt lay in the line of the defences all day. I held horses. The 9th A.C. infantry defeated near Lanore Station north of the Holston River and at night fell back until we crosed the river and moved out to cover their retreat. On Nov.17th we met the enemy near the previous days battle ground and were driven by their infantry back to near our defences around west of the city. Held them in check during the evening [17] and 18th met them early [18] in the morning as they charged but repulsed them and held them in check during most of the day while the infantry strengthed their works. We were repulsed in the evening with heavy loses [19] and driven almost into Fort Saunders. Gen. Saunders killed after dark. We withdrew into the city leaving our infantry in their works. For two or three days we (mounted horse) were held in reserve stacking arms during the day near the center of the city. Nov. ___ Again crossed the river to protect the defences on the opposite side and had to retake a hill now called Wards Hill. It was retaken by a gallant assault led by Col. Ward of the 27th regt ______. [17] I being No. 5 held horses, none of company wounded or missing. [18] Very foggy and chilly in early morning. I was on skirmish line and could see rebels forming and skirmishers advancing with colors etc. etc. Foggy [19] Wounded this day were Wm P. Wallace, I. Honchens, H. Toland, Munsell. Wallace died Nov 29th, Honchens died Nov 28th. The city was now entirely invested except a narrow valley up along the south or east bank of the river. Rations were now very scarce and continued to decline until we only received daily about 3 ounces of heavy black bran bread and same of fresh pork and no salt. The spirit of the troops declined with the rations and curses are lavished by many hungry wretches upon generals, president, goverment, rebels, selfs, etc. The talk of Gen. Sherman coming to our relief both believed and dis-believed until a brigade of his cavelry break in through the rebel cavelry pickets and bring us the proofs on the night of ___. Early in the morning of Nov. 29th/63 the enemy opened artillery, firing heavily on Fort Saunders and other points and soon after moved out a brigade to charge the fort. The brigade charged with wreckless bravery but were entangled in the noted trap of the "Burnside wire" and thus defeated and nearly all captured or slaughtered on the charge. Dec. 5 Rebels raised the siege and at night left and on Dec. 6 we pulled out in pursuit of them, fighting a little evasively until almost to Moristown, 11th. Soon after we returned to Blains Station. After some scouting and reconnoitoring we were there attacked on Dec.16th [20] and after heavy fighting till night we fell back a piece and finally were driven back to Blains cross roads where the rebs were checked and finally driven back. Here we met the old 4th A.C. under Sherman Dec. 27. [21] Went southeast to the mouth of Buffelow creek near the Holston where remained until our infantry defeat at Mossy creek and Strawberry Plains on Jan.5. Broke camp and returned to Blains cross roads. Next day started for Tazewell. [20] Co. D and others were sent away out on a hill and deploy skirmishers protecting the right flank of our army. From this position we could see all operations and manenuvers of the battlefield. Grand sights. Rebels flank our left but darkness prevents being routed and stampeded. [21] We here meet the old 1st OVI acquaintances in it. We go to Tazewell when the rebs fall back then return to go to Buffalo Creek where we are during very cold weather. Spend New Years Day here. Jan.12 Went to Cumberland Gap. Turned most of the horses out to die. Jan.15 Moved up Powells valley {VA} to Balls bridge, camped. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |
