Camp near Dalton Ga

Dec 14^th 1863

 

Sister Nannie

                        Enclosed you will find two letters that Lieut Cameron has just handed me. I suppose you have received my letter stating that brother C. was captured in the fight of Missionary Ridge with a number of others of his brigade and regiment. A good many of his men that were missing then have come up Since then I have learned something more of the position of Claytons Brigade during the engagement and am rather surprised that more of them were not captured. They occupied our extreme left and were more than a half mile from any other troops. When the attack was made along our whole line the Yankees sent a force through the gap to operate in our rear and when they made their appearance in the rear of Claytons Brig. it was ordered to move up to the right and / connect with the Brigade next to them When they reached the place they found that the Brigade had been repulsed and the ground occupied by the enemy. They then were flanked on the right and left with only a small gap to retire through and many of the men in trying to make their escape are supposed to have run unknowingly into the Yankee lines. There was so much confusion at this juncture that no two will tell the same story. But all believe that brother C. & Lieut Robinson were not hurt for after they were seen there was very little firing. As I before stated he was well prepared with clothing, much better than any of our officers that were captured. Lieut C. says he had two very heavy fine blankets well lined and an oilcloth. Robinson also had two goose blankets. I see in the papers that the officers have been sent to Johnsons Island We may see their names copied from the Louisville Journal. If you should see his name I would be glad if you would let us know it. I sent his carpet bag to Tusc: directly after writing to you first. I am sorry I could not telegraph or write earlier than I did. Yours &c W^m W. Wilkerson

 

My respects to your mother & father

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