Atlanta Ga Sept 25^th 1864

           

Dear Sisters Arvilla & Aurelia

I received yours of the 15^th yesterday and was glad to hear that you were all well. I dont see how you heard I was wounded. I was not wounded as as you have been led to suppose. I was in the battle of Jonesboro and in the thickest of the fight but was not hurt

 

I had 8 men wounded and one killed You are not acquainted with the one that was killed (Perry Lesuer) John Riley lost his left leg, David Coulter was wounded in the right leg below the knee and the big toe on his left foot was shot off. Sergt Butler was severely wounded in the breast the ball passing through his right lung and coming out under his right arm. W^m Cray was severely was wounded in neck and shoulder / John T Beers shot in right elbow Thomas H Wingfield wounded in both thighs and died on the 17^th Sept The battle was on the 1^st day of Sept. There was two others slightly wounded. Capt Black of Carthage was killed. I was close by him when he fell. Our Regt lost 83 killed and wounded. It was a terrible battle but we gained the victory. We drove the rebels at every point and Atlanta that night was ours. The reason we lost so many in our Regt we were in the front line of battle and had to charge the rebel breastworks and in doing so we had to cross a corn field about half a mile wide under a most raking fire of from the rebel line of works. But as soon as we reached the works we were not long bringing them to terms for / all who did not surrender instantly was nocked in the head or bayoneted. Our Regt captured above 4 pieces of Artillery two hundred prisnors and a Brigadier General. With this battle the campaign ended being exactly 4 months from it commenced. We are now quietly resting in and about the city of Atlanta and the rest seems good for we were all very much worn. I have not heard from Henry or James for a long time. Gust Turner done just about as I expected he would. James will do very well for his trade is good More besides he learned a great deal when he and I were out at Pikes Peak

 

We have not been paid yet The goverment owes me now about a thousand dollars but I / think we will get paid in the course of two or three weeks As soon as I get my money I will send you some but I cannot now. My health is excelent and the health of the Army is good. I want you and Aurelia to write as often as you can

 

I dont think we will have much more fighting to do this fall and winter and perhaps not before next summer

 

I wrote a letter to Almyra the next day after the battle

           

I remain your Affectionate

Brother

W^m B Atkins

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