Head Qrs. 17^th Reg^t T.D.C.(Consol)

Camp Near Monticello Ark Sept 26^th 1864

                       

Col

                                    Hearing, a short time since, that you were again in this department, and being anxious to hear from you by letter I have concluded to devote this beautiful sabbath morning to writing to you. Only a short time ago I heard you were very unwell & had been so for months, so much so that you were unable to return to your home, and right glad was I when I heard you had returned, although I suppose your health is very bad, but, under such circumstances especially, "there is no place like home", and I hope that ere long your health may be completely restored

 

I suppose, after your long absence, you were right glad to again breathe the pure air of our beautiful prairies, and again stand beneath the sunny sky of Texas, the "promised land" to us poor fellows away from home, and how sad a thought, to think how many will not be permitted to enter that promise land again? 'Tis sad to think of the past, so much misery & suffering have been caused. although the past is gone, it still lives in our memory, as an An- / gel of brightness, of which it is pleasant to think, or as a demon of darkness scowling with hatred. Our past actions will never die, and I suppose whether bright or sad, the reminiscences of the past are always beneficial and serve as beacon lights to guide us in the future.

 

            You see from the heading of my letter that we are again in old Arkansas. After a long a fatigueing force march we arrived at this place several days ago. from the way we marched, coming here, we thought that we would have active service immediately, but we are in camp & commenced drilling again. yet the prospect of meeting the enemy soon is very good. I can give you very little correct information concerning the movements of the army in this part of the world, for everything seems to be behind the curtain. Rumor spreads many reports in our camp, but I credit but few. The most of our infantry is concentrated at this point, our cavalry is between here & Ark. river. The Yankees are fortified in Pine Bluff and Little Rock, about eighteen hundred in the former and ten or twelve thousand in the latter. It is said Genl Price has gone to Missouri. I know not how true this is, but believe it. Rumors of great battles and success on the other side of the river pass thro' our camp nearly every day but I believe none of them and pay little attention to anything I hear. /

 

The principal object of writing to you, or rather the business portion of my letter, is to ascertain what your future intentions are, whether you are going to return to the other side of the river, or whether your health will permit you to again go on active service. Our old regiment has gone to nothing, it is a thing of the past. Those on this side of the river are so scattered that they can never be collected together. The positions of Col & Lt Col are vacant in this regiment. I have been in command of the regiment nearly all the time, and Genl Walker issued an order promoting me to Col, but Depart Commander disapproved because they he considered this a consolidated regiment. I have never asked for any promotion nor expect none, but think it rather hard that Captains should be promoted over me, because my Colonel is in command of a post in Texas, which he could command just as well by being assigned here permanently or go on the retired list. As far as your position is concerned, I assure you, Col, I would prefer serving under you than any one in the department, I only make the above complaint about Col Darnell because he is injuring others without benefitting himself. As circumstances now are, a captain of this regiment is liable any day to be promoted over me, this is injustice, and I will not submit to it. If it should be done, as soon as the present campaign is over I will ask to be relieved. an active campaign being / on hand, I will submit to almost anything until its close. In your reply I wish you would give me all the information you can concerning the old regiment, your intentions and those of Col Darnell if you can ascertain them.

 

As far as I am concerned I am perfectly willing, and the regiment is also, for you to take command here, should your health permit. Several of this regiment fought with you on the field of Chickamauga, and are greatly attached to you. This regiment should have been made a permanent organization, owing to the manner in which it was raised. No one of the seven different commands of which this is organized was an organized body when this was formed. It consists of Cavalry & Infantry, and frequently more than one regiment has men in one company. This regiment is under good discipline and has always sustained itself with honor & credit, where ever placed. Hoping to hear from you soon I remain Your Sincere friend

                                                                                               

W. A. Ryan

Maj. 17^th Consol Regt

 

            Please excuse blots errors &c. Direct your letters to 17^th Reg. T.D.C. Consol. 2^ond Brig.

            Polignac's Division     Shreveport La.

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