Chattanooga Dec 4^th 1863

           

Dear Mother

                                    Through the divine providence of the almighty God I am once more permitted to write you a few lines to inform you of my whereabouts and that I am yet on the land & among the living. You perhaps have heard of the late battle fought at or near Chattanooga called Mission & lookout mountain. I was one of several thousand who participated in the glorious conflict wherein the federal army were unanimously victorious. it is useless for me to give you a minute detail of the battle, as you have or will no doubt see it through the papers. Our (3)^rd Div was on the 23^rd ult call out to front where we lay a day & a half in the meanwhile (Sherman) on the left was crossing the river & turning the Rebels flank and on the 24^th ult Old Joe Hooker was driving them from lookout Mt. on Mon 25^th the 3^rd Div move to the left & about 3Ock PM were ordered to storm a line of breast works at the base of Mission Ridge which was done amid a storm of grape shot & canister & shells which fell about & around us thick & fast but fortunately there was comparatively few [faded, paper fold] the work only [?] a few guns. After resting a short time we again received the word forward & we all simultaneously leaped the work & started double quick for the fort at the summit of the ridge & were again greeted / by shell & canister & shot. The Ridge as it is called is about as high as the hill in front of Thomas Kersey house but a great deal more steep. before we had gained half the distance we were almost exhausted by the charge but to return would of been madness & so by pulling ourselves up by shrubs & bushes gained the top & sent the Rebs flying capturing some 7 cannon. the 2^nd Brig commanded by Col Van Dervere was the ones that were in the advance but were not in any order whatever Every fellow that could run the fastest was ahead the Officers were nearly all left to the rear because their wind was not so good as the sturdy soldier. We had some pretty hard fighting after we got up the hill for the Rebs rallied their men and endeavored to make a bold stand but the boys went in to them headlong & independently, as the Reb prisoners remarked that the Yankees fought just as well without Officers & with them. night coming on the firing grew less fierce & finally died away altogether. we camped on the field of battle over night among the dead & dying. On the next morning we drew four days rations & started in pursuit of Mr Reb we followed them a couple days but did not get engaged any more that is our Div. & then returned back to old Chattanooga which was my wish as I have got pretty good / quarters, have a chimney to my tent four of uncle sams boys are settled in it & enjoy it first rate when not on duty. The loss of killed & wounded of 35^th was 25. Oh the horrors of war to think how so many of the bright young men are killed & many crippled for life. We have one instance which pains one to recall to memory & that is John Venard of Co F who had been at the Regt about two months & then wounded in the late battle. Shot in the knee by a musket ball & lodging. I have since learned that his leg has been amputated. Only 16 & a cripple for life. Oh thank God that it was not Cornelius myself or Andy. You will please tell his folks if they have not yet learned the fatal news. Cornelius was not in the fight he was a reserve & could see all the fighting though did not participate in it. Various are the rumors afloat in camp among the rumors is one that the 14^th Army Corps which we belong to is going to remain here to garrison this place which I hope will prove true. If it does I dont think we will have any more marching to do.

 

Rations are getting more plenty & we drew a lot of clothing I drew a wool blanket to day / I and my bedfellow have been sleeping between the gum blankets which are very cold. I hear from Andy pretty frequently he is doing well. I hope he will get to remain where he is until his time is up, if the place suits him. I received a letter from Sylvan Jeffrey a few days ago he wrote a first rate letter. he said that Abe had got home. Chrismas will soon turn up, but to me I fear it will be a dry one if the Good lord spares me to get home among you all next Chrismas 64 is all I should ask. I have wrote this rather hastily which the scribbling & composition show. You can read it at the table as of yore or when at leisure.

 

May God bless & protect you all with life & health is my prayer for you all

 

            write soon & believe me to be your Affectionate Son

                                                                       

Paddy Hathaway

 

P.S. I forgot to say that George Hidy came out of the late battle unharmed though in the most fiercest he is a brave fellow. Lem Stump too is a boy that deserves encomiums.

                                                                                   

Respectfully            PatCH

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