Chattanooga Tenn

July 27^th 1864

           

Dear Marshall

                        I arrived here a few days ago from the front I left the reg^t at the Chattahoochee River a day previous to the battle before Atlanta.

 

            The Reg^t was then with the Division train but I have since heard that they were ordered into the action their loss was two killed and 10 wounded. My company lost 1 killed and 2 wounded the boys behaved with / their usual gallantry I am informed that Joe Hooker complimented Capt Kirkup who now commands the Reg^t on the splendid conduct of his command

 

            A battery of "Napoleons" (12 pdr brass gun) were in the works with our Reg^t The cheering mass of rebels had broken our line on our right and a severe enfilading fire struck the right of our line. the battery was silenced and two of its pieces captured many of the artillerists lying killed and wounded around their guns / but the boys pitched in again, drove the rebs back, retook the two guns, brought them into position, and assisted the remaining artillerymen to open them and the other four pieces with double shot of canister which was was directed at point blank range into the grey devils swarming in front

 

            They kept it up to the close of the engagement.

 

            The enemy left the ground in our front strewn with their killed and wounded which told plainly of how the guns were served

 

            I have seen some of the boys which came / back wounded they think that our force is by this time in "Atlanta".

 

I will have to go to Nashville next week. I am here with a squad of the Reg^t and the baggage, books papers &c of the Reg^t.

 

I am out of money and I have had to borrow. we have not been paid since last year.

 

If you can conveniently send $100 of mine I wish you would do so immediately to care of Adams Express Co Cincinnati Ohio. I will get it from there.

 

            Direct it to my address to be left at Cincinnati until sent for. Yours James Clarke

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