Geo S. Palmer 

 

Dec 11^th 1863

Head Quarters Provost Guard

 

Stevenson Ala Dec 11^th

 

Dear Parents

                        Having just returned from Nashville where I have been to take some Rebel prisoners on my return I found two letters one from you and one from Loomis so that you need not worry as his letter was was dated the 5^th he was well at that time I have been on the Rail Road as guard for the past two weeks and feel tired almost out on our return the train ahead of (from Nashville last night) cars off the track killing three and wounding several one of the boys that was hurt was Bailey from Haddam of our Co he was returning from the Hospital Charley Penfield came on yesterday he looks first rate evry train that comes in / is loaded with convalescent going to their regiments you would think that the whole army was on the sick list it is hard to see how our wounded are treated at this place they are placed on board of old freight cars and left to their own fate if they live till they get to Nashville is all the officers seem to care for them they remain here 12 or 14 hours and are as many more getting to Nashville also the way the government send their cattle on here they put so many into them that if one of them lies down they are trod to death I saw three that were killed in this way but I will give you an outline of secesh society as I have a pretty good chance of seeing southern society one day last week we confiscated some rebel lumber on the Memphis and Charleston / RR I was detailed to guard a house the owner being rebel to prevent their giving information to the enemy on arriving at the house I found ten ladies and two wenches all rebel I told them what I come for and such talk as I received from them I would not have taken from the male sex of friend or foe one of them had two brothers in the reb army one a Lieut in the 4^th Ala she hoped they would drive evry yank from the sacred soil of the south after a while they became more reconciled (you know they are verry hot headed) and when I left they bid me good bye I saw them pick cotton on the plantations an old Nigger said he could pick 400 pds of cotton an old wench that was with him could pick 600 I will send some of my own picking if you would like some cotton seeds I will send them Dea Stevens / might like some as he has a hot house I have not seen Robert since I came back but presume that he is well I will now close three soldiers have just been buried belonging to western regiments with military honors we give them a soldiers grave the fruits of the accident yesterday no more at present. Your Affectionate Son

Geo S Palmer

 

every person male and female in this state chews tobaco old and young at the place I guarded they thought it would be quite funny to see a woman that did not chew snuff or tobaco Coffee they did not have and have not had for two years all they have to eat is hoe cake a good deal like Johny cake only not as good I will tell you more in my next letter

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