Camp near Big Springs Tenn

                                                                                                                        Aug 18^th 1863

 

            Respected Friend

                                                Well here we are on the summit of the Smoky Mountains where we have just arrived. We have had a tiresome march to day up the steep ascent we clambered with our heavy knapsacks tied to us and almost choking for want of water which is very scarce, on the mountainsides. But not a whimper is heard from us as we are well aware it all goes in our three years but those three years are to be renewed by reenlisting in the Veteran Volunteer service. We are going to reenlist on the 25^th proximo and will be organized in Ohio where it may be possible for us to get a furlough for a few days at least

 

            I have been in the service nearly three years and feel it my to continue in it untill treason and rebellion is crushed out / Although the army has its likes and dislikes haps and misshaps but a part of the many temptaions may be avoided, Such as gaming. drinking, profaning and the like can be avoided but it is for the most part indulged in to freely, more especially on the part of the Official class

 

            By the way your interesting letter came to hand to day and found me yet on this side of eternity enjoying all the blessings life is heir to under the present circumstances

 

            Your letter was quite encouraging as well as interesting as letters generally are the most encouraging gifts the soldier has and were it not for them I could not stay in the army

 

            The silent tongued pen serves to communicate to our friends messages of joy which when rec^d we imagine ourselves in each others presence, but alas our imaginations quickly vanish and we are left as it were alone with our old companion “thought” to muse over the pleasant scenes long past The weather is very warm here in daytime but the nights are cold and dewy /

 

            We have been feasting on green corn and peaches for the past few days and it is quite a luxury as wll well as a change of the hard diet and common routine of hardtack and Bacon. I wish I could hand you some of the fine peaches I ate yesterday from the hand of a loyal Tennesseean They were fine indeed and were given with a free heart which made them taste much better

 

            A sad catastrophe happened here a few ago of which I must tell you

 

            As the 18^th Indiana Battery were drying their ammunition some of the powder caught fire by accident and exploded by which seven members of the Battery were killed and wounded. Three of them are yet living but are in a mangled condition They were horribly burnt and it is doubtful whether they survive long There in a house near by and I have just been to see them Poor fellows they are to be pitied. Yet strange to to say, they are rational and are very talkative and full of jokes As I have written more than you may be able to read I will close as I / have a very unpleasant place to write nearly two thousand feet above the level and in the shade of an oak

 

            If this is not readable keep it untill I am home and I will read it for you

 

                                    Your Friend

                                                Benj. F. Mavern

 

P.S. Direct as before and I will get them whether on the march or in camp

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