Corinth #14

 

Corinth Miss. Jan, 11, 1863

 

Dear Mother:

                        Strange as it may seen, I am indeed again in Corinth, after an absence from the place of a little over two months. To-day I seat myself to write home there being an opportunity to send mail for the first time in nearly four weeks. I wrote a few lines at Jackson, Tenn. which you will receive at the same time you do this. As you know, probably, our railroad communication has been cut off for some time from Columbus. This fact has been the cause of a great change of direction in our Brigade. December 27^th we left Jackson on the cars and went to Trenton 30 miles farther northward. The next day we started from that place and went to Huntington, 32 miles distant; or rather we went there in two days march. After remaining in this place one day in order to secure rations from the country, we started / the next day for Lexington, 25 miles south of Huntington. After marching about 8 or 9 miles we halted, and were told we would rest there one hour; but we had scarcely been there 20 minutes ere orders came, "Fall in! fall in! All that are not loaded load immediately! Fix bayonets!" We were informed that the cause of this sudden commotion was that rebel cavalry had been just seen in the road a short distance ahead. We hurried forward for a mile or two but we were unable to catch a sight of the fleet footed cavalry. The sound of artillery some four or five miles ahead however betokened that the brigade in advance of us had found an enemy. We were now hurried forward at a nearly double-quick. Nearer and nearer sounded the cannon, and right onward pressed we. At the distance of about a mile from the scene of action, we halted barely long enough to throw our knapsacks / and then pressed forward on the run. As soon as we reached sight of the field of action, and whilst we were being brought into position in line of battle we sent up cheers that fairly made the woods ring. The artillery wheeled into line and belched forth their salute of iron hail into the woods, whilst we stood behind them as a support. Our regiment was on the right, and the 27^th and 63^d were on the left. We were soon moved forward, and every moment I expected that either a shell or a volley of musketry would make its way through our ranks. But not a shot was fired at us. Our own men just at this point were in front of us, but the rebels were on their flank. Across the field in front of us riderless horses were dashing in every direction. On our left the 27^th came across the rebels who were just planting a battery in the rear of the other Brigade. They / poured in a volley and then charged and took the battery. The rebels were now retreating on every part of the field, and prisoners began to pour in from every direction. The fight was over and one Brigade had arrived just in time to save the day. The rebels had the other brigade nearly surrounded, and had we been one half hour later they must have surrendered. With our regiment it was as at Corinth,—we fired not a gun, but our cheering and coming up so promptly contributed in no small degree to our gaining the day.

 

            After the battle one company was detailed to carry off the wounded. I have written so often of the scenes to be witnessed on a battle field, that it is unnecessary that I should again speak of them. Although I have become accustomed to the sights of a battle field so that they do not affect me as at first, I still have no desire to again witness them.

 

            Of the rest of our marching until we reached this place, I will speak in another letter. Suffice it to say now that we marched to the Tennessee River; and from thence to Purdy, Tenn. and thence to this place, having marched since we left Jackson, 175 miles, with a rest of only two days during the whole time.

 

            I know that you must be very anxious to hear from me, and I too am very desirous of hearing from home. I hope that regular communication will soon be opened.

 

            I am now in possession of an excellent gum blanket, having picked up one on the battle field.

 

            I will try to write again in three or four days, if I can get a chance to send this which I find latter thing I find since I began this is a little doubtful.

 

            Write soon to your son

            George.

 

I received those mittens and envelopes, for which I am very thankful. The mittens are the admiration of the whole company. /

 

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How did your garden turn out? If by some good fortune you should have an opportunity to send any thing to me, boots and socks would be very acceptable but although I appreciate the feeling of kindness which prompts the present of a tippet, I must say that in this climate it would be rather burdensome than otherwise. G.

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