Athens, Alabama, March 2, 1864.

 

Dear Mother:

                        I have been waiting two or three days in order to receive a letter from home before writing; but as I have waited in vain thus far, I will delay writing no longer. I have received but one letter from home, and that was about 10 days ago. I wrote letters home at Clarksville, Nashville, and one since arriving here. I think there must be a back mail somewhere, as I received last night a letter from Marietta which was only four days on the way.

 

            Athens is a pleasant little village of some 1200 or 1500 inhabitants. It is a good deal scattered, and there are quite a number of well built private residences, and finely adorned yards. Most of the houses are white frames, and are surrounded by a good many evergreens, making them look very picturesque. Most of the business portion of town, including the court house, has been / burned down. There are three churches in the place, Methodist, Cumberland Presbyterian and Baptist. The Methodist Church is occupied by our chaplains; the Baptist is closed, and has been for a long time. The Cumberland Presbyterian is still kept open. I attended there last Sabbath morning, and listened to a most excellent sermon; the best that I have ever heard in the South, and the best that I have heard anywhere for a long time. His text was: "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God that worketh in you", etc. He gave me a clearer idea of the connection between Divine Sovereignty and Human Agency than I have ever received before. He is very plain in appearance, and natural and easy in manner. He commenced rather slowly, and without much life, but as he proceeded, he seemed to warm up with his subject and became very earnest. His congregation was composed mostly of soldiers. In the afternoon our chaplain preached in the Methodist church. He preached a good discourse, but lacks energy in his delivery. / Very few citizens were present. In the evening the Chaplain of the Ninth Illinois preached. There is a prayer meeting held every Wednesday evening.

 

            How long we shall remain here is uncertain. There seems to be no immediate prospect of a move for us however. There are troops in advance of us. Pontoons are being constructed with which the Tennessee River is to be crossed. They are nearly finished I believe. I do not anticipate that there is much of a force of rebels on the other side to oppose our crossing. Athens is about 14 miles from the river. The Railroad is now finished beyond this point, and trains run daily.

 

            For the last two or three days we have been having a drizzling, dreary rain. It was my lot to be on picket during it. I know of no experience in a soldier's life more dreary than a rainy night on picket without shelter. Sleep is out of the question, and all the dreary night we can do nothing but stand around our fire, passing the time as best we can, whilst the rain is pelting upon us. I was more fortunate than the rest, thanks to a gum blanket. / Stretching myself upon the rails before the fire and wrapping up, I managed to keep tolerably dry. The rain is over with now, and to-day is a beautiful day.

 

            It seems to me a long time since I left home, and I can scarcely realize that it is but three weeks. I find it easier than I had anticipated to settle down into the routine of camp life, and I am as contented as ever

 

            This place was at the beginning of the war a Union town. The flag was kept flying from the court house for some time after the State seceded. There are but few here now however whose Unionism can be depended upon. Active secessionists however are not very numerous. The majority rejoice in the presence of our army as it saves them from conscription.

 

            You may send me that handkerchief which you spoke of.

 

            How are things getting on at home? Remember me to Alonzo. Give my love to Mary. Write soon to

                                   

Your aff. Son,

George.

 

            William is well. He is on picket to-day.

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