Memphis, Tenn., Oct. 13, 1863

 

Dear Mother:

                        I received your letter sent by Lieut. Kropp, yesterday, and I improve the first opportunity to answer it.

 

            Day before yesterday the routine of our military life was relieved by quite a series of adventures. I have mentioned heretofore the activity of the guerrillas in cutting the telegraph wire, but stated that I did not think they would interfere with the track, but when they threw a train off the track a few days since we were cautioned that it would be well for us to look out. Day before yesterday, when we had reached White Station, 9 miles from Memphis, we learned that a mile or two ahead a party of rebel cavalry had torn up the track. We pushed ahead however, having our guns loaded and capped, ready for instantaneous use. Upon arriving at the spot, we found that a little culvert only had been burned. A party was already at work fixing it, and we were detained not over ten minutes. We learned that the / cavalry force numbered from 75 to 150. We passed on to Germantown 15 miles, where we learned that three or four miles ahead the track was again torn up. We pushed on and found that in two different places, the ties had been burned, and the rails torn up and bent. The party numbered here from 75 to 150. We were detained a few moments only, and again went on. Collierville was the next station, distant 24 miles from Memphis. About four miles from here we found the track twice interfered with again, and a small bridge burned. We were detained again about one half hour. By this time we began to think that they had torn up the track the whole length of the road, and must be in considerable force. We passed on however to Moscow, 39 miles, without farther interruption. By this time we were considerably behind time, and we learned that the track ahead was all right, and the train from Corinth would meet us there instead of at the Junction as usual. It soon arrived, and we jumped aboard, congratulating ourselves that we would get back to Memphis on time after all. Everything went on as usual until we had come within two miles of Collierville / when behold, just ahead of us the track was again torn up, and the ties on fire, and this time no workmen were fixing it. A few men on picket who should have been near there were gone. About 500 yards ahead of us we saw what we took to be a small party again tearing up the track. Part of us got off the train and went ahead with the intention of attacking them, when we saw them commence coming towards us on a run, and that they were without arms. Almost at the same instant, about a half mile ahead rebel cavalry and infantry began to cross the track, and scatter on each side so as to outflank us and get in our rear. We could hear the roar of cannon and the rattle of musketry that told of fighting at Colliersville. We immediately hurried back to the train, and as soon as the party whom we had seen on the track, whom we had discovered to be workhands, could come up, we commenced backing, thinking that it was no place for us. Every moment we looked for them to make their appearance upon our flank, but they did not. Had they used common smartness they might have got in our rear and captured every one of us and burnt the train. It was only their own dulness that saved us. We had to move back slowly, in consequence of there being / two trains not far in our rear which had to be signalled. We went back to Lagrange 24 miles. We could get no reinforcements there, as the troops were all out, fighting a rebel force a few miles south of there. We consequently laid up all night, and in the morn meanwhile troops were sent from Corinth. We could hear nothing but flying reports that Colliersville was taken, and that they had captured Gen. Sherman, and the 13^th Regulars, whom we knew had left Memphis shortly after us in the morning, and whom we had not seen since. But sometime during the morning the telegraph was fixed and we were informed that the road was all right. We waited until the regular train time, when we went on. On our way down we learned the particulars of the fight, which proved to be a brilliant little affair for our side. It seems that we were not out of sight at Collierville on our way up before the fighting commenced. Skirmishing took place for some time, when a demand was sent in for a surrender of the place. The garrison consisted of about 250 men. Just at this juncture, Gen. Sherman and Staff with the 13^th Regulars, about 250 men arrived on a train. Dallying until he had got his men off the train, he sent back word, that they would have to fight if they wanted the place. Forming his men in a thin strip of woods he awaited their charge. They charged twice and were repulsed; but massing their forces a third time they our men were compelled to fall back. The rebel force proved to be about 3000 with five pieces of artillery, whilst we had not one single piece and but about 500 men. Our men retreated into a little fort and there stood their ground. Gen. Sherman had command and his Staff officers took guns and cartridge boxes. In this fort our men gallantly maintained their position and the rebels were not able to drive them from it. The rebels tried to get possession of the train, and at one time did, but our men charged out of the fort, and drove them back. The train was completely riddled with balls, and several horses were killed. Their artillery was very poorly handled. Not more than three or four shots did any damage, whereas had it been used efficiently it would have been impossible for our men to have held out. Had they succeeded in their designs it would have been quite a haul for them. There were on the train 1 Maj. Gen., Sherman, 2 Brigadier Gens., and Cols. Majors Captains, etc, without number. But happily they were most gallantly repulsed. Our loss will not exceed 75 dead and wounded. The rebels were seen to carry off nine ambulance loads, and we ourselves buried several rebel dead.

 

            But I must defer a few other incidents until another time.

 

            The other day I received another testimonial of friendship, in the shape of a pair of socks from Mr. Adams, father of Norton Adams, whose death I spoke of at the time it occurred. Truly my friends / are very kind.

 

            Tell Mary that her brother George sends his love to her, and hopes that before long he may be able to come home and see her.

 

            Remember me to Uncle and family.

                       

Write soon to

Your Son,

SOURCES