Franklin May 17^th 1862

 

            I tried to get a chance to write to you last night dear wife but was so interrupted that I could not succeed in doing so. Since the enemy have retreated I have had an opportunity to rest, and I assure you that I have taken advantage of it in every possible way. I was not really aware how much I need the relaxation until I was allowed to enjoy it. Ever since our backward movement began the excitement has been constantly kept up so that I was constantly in the saddle all the day and most of the night, & once all night. We had skirmishes, alarms and one severe battle—of which I have already written you. All this with my anxiety and care of the regiment pressed upon me sorely, but thank God I have gone through it all, and am prepared in health and strength for further duty.

 

            You have no doubt received very erroneous / reports of our battle, as we heard some cavalry men had gone to the rear and spread terrible reports of our condition through the country. You must learn dear wife not to regard such rumors for I will always send you a true account of all that happens. Our battle is said to have been the most severe one that has occurred in Western Virginia during the whole war, and that those troops engaged in it acted with the greatest gallantry and daring. The reputation of the 75^th is now fixed and we are praised by all in authority & out. I hope some public notice will be made by the Commanding General of the gallantry displayed by the troops giving to those regiments who have the brunt of the battle their due praise. If this is not done the men will feel that they are wronged. No doubt our general will see to this in due time. The whole of Fremonts army has arrived and we are surrounded by troops on every / side. In all we have I suppose some seventeen thousand men with a very large amount of artillery. We are now strong enough to march back upon our retreating enemy and I believe we are only prevented from doing so by our short supply of provisions and forage. This I hope will soon be remedied and then we will have the pleasure of going to our old camping ground beyond the Shenandoah Mountain. I have been with Gen^l Schenck a good deal since our arrival here, and before. He is very kind and flattering in his attentions, and will do all he can for me in every way. My present position is not altogether agreeable. I mean (not to be repeated) I have lost confidence in the commander of our brigade. My officers are of the same opinion, and we all desire a change. Gen^l Milroy will not willingly give us up as he considers the 75^th one of his crack regiments, but I hope the powers above him will place us in / under some other command. Gen^l Schenck is very anxious to have us with him, and not an officer in the regiment would object to this change. Indeed they all desire it most heartily. Gen^l Schenck told me that Gen^l Fremont intended on yesterday to reorganize his army, and change the commands of his Brigadiers, and he intended to either give me a separate command or place me under Schenck. This however may be wrong, as Gen^l Fremont keeps his own counsel. I have not yet called upon him but intend doing so today if I have time. When I next write I hope to have good news for you, for I know you will rejoice at anything which improves my condition.

 

Our paymaster is due and we are told that today he pays us off. If so this will enable me to help you dear wife in money matters. You are now my banker and must expend the money according to your own will. I write you about that rascal Cooper. See that he does not succeed in his swindle. Love to Lindy and all the children with loving kisses to darling wife—

                       

N. C. M^cL

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