In line of Battle Atlanta Ga July 28^th 1864

2^nd Tenn Regt. Tylers Brig Bates Division

 

My Dear Mother

                                    I am again once more permitted to write you a few lines, by flag of Truce. I have written a good many letters to you, since the present campaign opened, but never learned whether any one ever reached you yet or not. I wrote a couple of letters to you back at Marietta which I expect you got. They were entrusted to Fed. hands during a truce for burying the dead and said they take pleasure in mailing them, that was the last time I have written home, which was about a month ago. The last I heard from home, was about the 12 of June, was gratified to learn, mother, you were well & doing well. I have rec'd one letter from you Mother, by flag of truce, which was written the last of April, or some time in May, I disremember which. I have been blessed during the present Campaign with good health never having lost a days duty or been absent from my command since it opened. I feel truly thankful to the Almighty for shielding & protecting me in the midst of so many dangers. We have been unlucky since being transferred to Bates' Div: we have lost three men (killed) in our Co. Thom Clarke, Thom Fleming & Felix Arnold. our Lieut Col. Hale, the whole of Co F & part of Co C were all captured on Peach Tree Creek, in fact the whole Regt come in an ace of being captured. West Rucker Locke Weakley Pink Edmondson and Miles Ferguson, my old mess, are well, have escaped thus far being hurt, are present with their Command^s

 

I understand Lieut Betty in the gallant charge made on the enemy's works on the 22^nd by Cheatham's Div, was wounded by minnie ball in the back of the neck, but not dangerously. Just cut the fleshy muscle of the neck. George Wilkison I learned the next day after the fight, was mortally wounded, shot through the bladder. I have not been able to hear anything more from our wounded friends, being separated some distance on the line. I regret not being able to hear any thing from Browns Brig. not being in the same com^d and separated too. Write to me as soon as you can

 

Your Affectionate Son

R M Rucker

 

P.S. remember me kindly to all                                             

my friends and neighbors                                                                   

SOURCES