Nashville Tenn

November 17^th 1862

 

Dear Father

                        It is with pleasure I seat myself & write you a few lines to inform you that we are all well and in good spirets.

 

I hope you will excuse me for not writing oftine for I expect you are always anxious to hear from us. The reason why we have not written within the last two months is that we have had no communication at al. we have been entirely surrounded by the Rebels. we could neither receive nor send letters. I will try and give you a short account of what we have been doing for the past two months. We left Fort Rose Ala Sept 4^th arrived here the 11^th. we marched on an average 25 miles a day / Our train was fired on four times by Guerrillas. Since we have been here we have had a great deal of duty to do such as foraging, working on the defences of the City, and standing picket guard, and at the same time all we had to eat was bread and beef. Sugar and coffee had played out.

 

            We have been in two little fights since we came here. One at Lavergne oct 7^th. we took 300 prisoners their only piece of cannon and all their camp equipage. We completely routed them. The other was at this place, November 5^th. The Rebels drove in our pickets at 3 oclock in the morning and at daylight began shelling us. we left our breast works and drove them from their position with but little loss on either. we followed them nine miles and then returned to camp. The number of the Rebels is said to be 25,000. / Commanded by Genl Polk. Nashville is well fortified and I think we could hold it easily against double our numbers.

 

            I was over the river the other day and seen Bill and all of the Shipman boys. they were all well except John Widman and Bill. Bill looks very thin and bad. it is evident that soldiering does not altogether agree with him I do not think he is able to stand heavy marching, and the hardships of a soldiers life.

It is a rainy and dull day. the streets are very muddy

 

            What do you think of McClellan being removed from the army of the Potomac. for my part I think him one of the best Generals we have and I know you cannot find one that the soldiers has more confidence in than they have in him. he has done as much as any man could under the same circumstances 

 

            I think we shall soon leave here. we are expecting marching orders every day. Some troops have already gone. they have gone in the direction of Murfreesboro from there the next place wil be Chattanooga where we may expect to have some fighting to do

 

            Well, it is getting late and I must close my letter. William Henry Talley wants you to go East and live with. If I was you If I could arrange your affairs conveniently I would do so

 

            But then you know best what to do.

 

            Give our best wishes to all and be sure and answer this for you donot know how anxious we are to hear from you.   So no more

 

From Your Affectionate Son

J. R. Talley

 

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Nip and add said that as I was writing that they would wait until another time...

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