Recd 24^th Oct. Saturday

 

Normandy Station Tennessee

October 16^th 1863.

 

Dear Marshall

                        We arrived at this place on the 12^th inst from Raccoon ford on the Rapidan, which place we left on the 24^th Sept. We came through by rail from Bealton Station near the Rappahannock via Alexandria & Washington to Relay House, from there via the B. & O. R.R. to Benwood 2 miles below Wheeling, crossed the Ohio and took the Ohio Central R.R. to Columbus, from there via Dayton to Indianapolis then to Jeffersonville, then crossed the Ohio to Louisville, and from Louisville to Nashville, and from there to Murfreesboro by rail and from there we marched 30 miles to this place.

 

            Our stay on Governors Island was much shorter than I expected. had I known that we were going so soon, I would have tried hard to see you again, but, it could not be helped.

 

            We were all put aboard the Baltic and taken to Alexandria. Gen^l Canby sent a complimentary order after us for our good conduct, which we did not care for much.

 

Secretary Chase came over to Alexandria to see us and talk to us, after which, we marched to the front on the Rapidan, where we remained until we moved for the west.

 

            the 12^th Corps is now guarding the R.R. from Nashville to the front. we go (the 5^th) on the extreme right of our Brigade & Divis. the first Divis being still ahead of us. Our station is 7 miles north of Tullahoma our business and about the same distance from Shelbyville. Our business is to guard the bridges & patrol the R.R. 

 

the morning we arrived at Murfreesboro was an interesting one. Wheeler had just burnt a bridge 2 miles below town and was then threatening the town. but, not wishing to come within range of "Fort Rosecrans" he moved off toward Shelbyville, where [?] whipped him the next day.

 

            The 12^th Corps has not done much in the R.R. line but I suppose we will get our hands in after a while and make pretty good guards. Our Colonel is in command of this post. rain has fallen since we came here until noon today and interfered with building our quarters. so soon as they are complete, we are ordered to build fortifications for ourselves on a neighboring hill, which will command the station and bridge. we are to have two guns with us. 700 wagons are coming from Nashville for the Corps. I understand that the intention is to forage the company and send the proceeds to "old Rosey", with all this to attend to we will be up to our eyes in business.

 

            here we are pretty well into the hill country, and it has a very rough appearance, full of limestone and splendid timber. the people are rough, but kindly. I like them much better than Virginians.

 

            News from the front says that all is quiet. we are very anxious about the army of the Potomac. the Nashville papers say that a battle was imminent between Meade & Lee yesterday. I believe and hope that Lee will get the thrashing that he is working for. I hope we wont have to go back there for a time, for I think that another such / trip as the one we have just had would about wear the corps out. riding a week in freight cars with about 50 in the car and all hands full to the neck is enough to demoralize anything short of a saint. if Aggie reced my note you are already aware of my promotion to 1^st Lieutenant, which happened on the 22^nd Sept. this is a wonderful jump for one like me (who never was in the circus) but I made it without injuring myself in the least. And since it is no longer consistent with my dignity to tote my wardrobe in a knapsack I send to you to purchase for me a suitable means of conveyance for said wardrobe which will be, a sole leather valise, about 2 feet long, one foot high, and 10 inches wide, covered with canvass and strongly fastened. something that will stand the wear and tear which it will be subject to. have it marked with my name and Reg^t on the end, and send it by express to the office at Nashville at Murfreesboro and I will go for it, or send for it. I wish you would send in it the overcoat, 3 wool outside shirts no collar dark and not very heavy, 4 under shirts good merino, and 3 pair canton flannel drawers. 2 large dark silk pocket handkerchiefs, and a pair of stout dark cloth gloves. & charge to my acct.

 

            Compy "D" bought my sword, belt, sash, and shoulder straps, and saved me the trouble.

 

            I hope you are all very well. Give my respects to all, and oblige. Yours Ever

                                                                                                                       

James Clarke /

 

My address is J.C. Compy "D"

5^th Regt O.V. Infantry

1^st Brig. 2^nd Divis. 12^th Army Corps

Tennessee

 

I have not had a letter since I saw you. write to me. I will write in a day or two to Mr Preston.  J.C.

SOURCES