#12

7 miles south of Holly Springs, Miss

December 2, 1862.

 

Dear Sister:

                        Having forgotten whether I have answered your last letter, or whether I have omitted to answer Hiram's, I will this morning write you a few words at a venture.

 

            November 28 we left the camp at which my last letter was written and marched that day to within 4 miles of Holly Springs. The next day we marched to a point near our present encampment, passing through Holly Springs on the road. The town is one of considerable size, containing a nice court house, some 4 or 5 churches, and some of the finest private residences and grounds that I have ever seen. In fact, judging from what little I saw of the town, I think it as pretty a place as I / ever have seen. The town was almost entirely deserted. I saw but 2 white women, and not more than 8 or 10 white men. Quite a number of darkeys and boys, however, lined the pavements. November 30 we made a reconnoisance toward the enemy. We advanced some 8 or 9 miles, driving in the enemy's pickets for about 3. The artillery was brought into play on both sides, and I had another opportunity of hearing the whizzing of shot and shell. None of the shot came very close to us, although at one time I thought we were in for it. We were ordered to throw our blankets and load, and then we were double quicked across a field to support a battery. Most of the fighting was done by cavalry, who were dismounted and skirmished through the woods. But one or two were hurt on our side. We drove the enemy to some / forts they had built. Night before last they evacuated these forts and they were yesterday occupied by our troops. They retreated across the Tallahatchie and this morning I learn that they have left entirely. They have entirely skedaddled. Some of our forces are in pursuit, but whether we sh our regiment will follow immediately I do not know. There is a large army gathered here. From our camp at night the long rows of camp fires can be seen in every direction.

 

            But I can write but a few words this morning. We have received no mail for three or four days, and I do not certainly know that I can find an opportunity to send this. I have not heard from home for about 2 weeks, and I shall certainly expect a letter when we get a mail. Be sure that some of you write as often as once a week.

           

Your Brother                                                                          

George. /

 

To-day is the Sabbath. There seems to be an unusual quietness in camp to-day that makes the day seem a little like the Sabbath of home. How would I prize the privilege could I to-day join with you in worshipping God in the House dedicated to his service. For five months now I have not heard a minister of the Gospel. I feel the need of the religious influences which I enjoyed at home. Whichever way I turn my way eye here I see nothing but a spiritual desert. I try to live a Christian life in the midst of the evil influences around me, but oftentimes I am conscious that my life does not show as it should the profession I have made. I still feel that God is very merciful to me in preserving me as He has in the midst of the many dangers both temporal and spiritual that surround me. My trust is in Him. Though I am weak, I know that in Him is all needing grace /

 

I wish that I could say with as did Mr. Rice upon his return home, that not one of our brethren here was dishonoring his profession. But I cannot. One I am sorry to say frequently profanes the name of his God. I have spoken with him once, and although he acknowledges that he is doing wrong, yet I can see scarcely any effort to mend it. I intend to talk with him again soon. I will mention no name now, but it is not one of our young brethren.

 

            I have received a letter from mother written the 11^th of December, and one from Hiram written the 27^th. Lieut. Smith has not come to the Regiment yet; consequently I have not received those things. Such is the fortune of war.

 

            The Regiment is now away somewhere, but exactly where I don't know. They have been gone two days. Over half of our company, however, is in camp. It is reported that we are to leave here to-morrow for Memphis, by rail-road. I do not know how true it may be. Direct your letter to Corinth, and it will reach me any where. Your Brother George. Write soon

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