[Letterhead: Head-Quarters, Department of the Cumberland,

Office Provost Marshal General,]

                                                                                    Chattanooga Septr 23^d [1863.]

 

My dear brother/

                                    Were you within hearing of the many bands of music playing enlivening tunes,—hear the merry, cheerful conversations of “our boys”,—could realise the quiet observed every where, it would be almost impossible to believe, that nearly 15,000 of our men have either been Killed or at, now, lying in Hospitals with wounds of all descriptions.—The battles of Saturday, Sunday & Monday were terrible;—outnumbered, as Rosecrans was by a superior force of devilish Rebels, fighting like tigers, it is a wonder, he saved as many, as he did.—Driven back to this place, he now concentrated his force, entrenched & ready for an attack, he defies them to come; they tried it yesterday & got so thoroughly thrashed, that, although we expected a fierce struggle to day, there was not even a show of attack & our forces were out hunting for them to day. The fight, though momentary lulled, will be undoubtedly revived, for with such great odds, as they have against us, they ought not to give it up quite so easy.—We/have lost one Brigadier (Gl. Lyttle) & our losses in Killed, Wounded & missing is estimated at 20,000;—a large portion are lightly wounded & many will be fit for duty again in a few weeks.—Our troops are in the best of condition & spirits & if we could only get some re-enforcement; we would defy the whole damn Confederacy.—The 74^th has not been in any engagement yet & hence, have met no losses.—

 

I have had but two letters from Sarah this month & know only, that she was to move to Chicago—the letters, containing additional information have failed to reach me.—

 

I hope, you get cheering news from your wife,—let me know, how she gets along.—

 

I am in good health, but anxious, to see a happy result to this fight.

 

I have much work on hand & can only write these few lines at present.—

 

Ever

                        Your affect brother

                                                            Edward

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